Japanese Ace draws heavy interest from Cubs and Yankees
Interest in Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai is starting to crystallize, with two major market franchises emerging as serious suitors. The Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees have both positioned themselves as key players in the early stages of his market.
MLB insider Francys Romero reported on December 17, citing industry sources, that around five teams are actively pursuing Imai, but added that Chicago and New York have positioned themselves as the frontrunners to secure his services.
“Around five MLB teams have shown real interest in 27-year-old Japanese ace Tatsuya Imai, per industry sources. The New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs are expected to be finalists to sign Imai,” Romero wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Is Tatsuya Imai joining the Cubs?
As Imai weighs his options, former MLB player Todd Frazier said the Yankees are the best fit for the 27 year old, rather than joining the Cubs alongside two fellow Japanese players.
“I think [the Yankees] would be the best choice for him. For the Yankees to have this guy here [is ideal]. [Imai’s] a really good pitcher [and] has understandably been in the spotlight for a long time,” Frazier remarked during his appearance on Foul Territory.
On the mound, Imai delivered a dominant 2025 season with the Seibu Lions, finishing with a 1.92 ERA across 163.2 innings and racking up 178 strikeouts. He features a fastball that regularly sits in the mid 90s and can climb to 99 mph, but his true weapons are a sharp reverse slider and a splitter with heavy late drop. Inside the Cubs organization, their pitching group is eager at the idea of refining that pitch mix, confident they could harness his raw edge and elevate him into a legitimate Cy Young level arm.
It remains to be seen whether Cubs teammates Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki make a push to recruit Imai to Chicago. The Cubs have built a strong reputation as a landing spot for Japanese players, which could work in their favor, but the pull of joining the Yankees may ultimately prove harder for Imai to resist.
The post Japanese Ace draws heavy interest from Cubs and Yankees appeared first on ChiCitySports.
Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/tatsuya-imai-interest-cubs-yankees
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
| Visits: | 1,760,641,137 |
| Stories: | 8,553,257 |
Whistler Blowers, Insiders
