At a Glance
- $54 million three-year deal with the Houston Astros
- $2 million signing bonus and $16 million first-year salary
- Imai’s 2027 salary could rise $2 million for each of 80, 90, 100 innings
- Why it matters: It places Imai among the highest-valued Japanese pitchers entering MLB, and the contract includes performance-based escalators and opt-out options.
Tatsuya Imai, a 27-year-old right-hander, has just agreed to a $54 million, three-year contract with the Houston Astros, according to a source who spoke to News Of Austin under anonymity.
Contract Details
The agreement includes a $2 million signing bonus and yearly salaries of $16 million in 2024 and $18 million in 2025 and 2026.
- 2027 salary escalates by $2 million for each of the following thresholds: 80, 90, and 100 innings.
- 2028 salary escalates by $1 million for each of the same thresholds.
- If Imai fails to reach a threshold in 2026 but does so in 2027, the 2028 salary receives an additional $1 million for each missed threshold.
- Imai may opt out after the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
| Year | Salary | Signing Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $16 million | $2 million |
| 2025 | $18 million | – |
| 2026 | $18 million | – |
Performance Highlights
Imai posted a 10-5 record with a 1.92 ERA last season for the Seibu Lions, striking out 178 batters in 163 2/3 innings. Over his eight-season career with Seibu, he is 58-45 with a 3.15 ERA and 907 strikeouts in 963 2/3 innings, earning three All-Star selections.
Notable achievements include an eight-inning outing in a combined no-hitter on April 18 and a 17-strikeout game against Yokohama on June 17, breaking Daisuke Matsuzaka’s 2004 team record of 16.
Posting Agreement & Fees
Under MLB’s posting agreement with NPB, the deal must be finalized by 5 p.m. EST Friday. Seibu will receive a posting fee of $9.675 million from the Astros, plus a 15 % supplemental fee on any earned bonuses, salary escalators, and exercised options.
Imai’s average annual value places him third among Japanese pitchers entering MLB, behind Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s $27.08 million and Masahiro Tanaka’s $22.14 million.
Key Takeaways
- Imai’s contract includes significant performance-based escalators and opt-out options.
- The posting agreement obligates a $9.675 million fee to Seibu, plus a 15 % share of future earnings.
- Imai’s recent stats and record-breaking performances highlight his readiness for MLB competition.
This signing marks a significant addition to the Astros’ pitching roster and underscores the growing influence of Japanese talent in Major League Baseball.
