Many Chicago Cubs fans were not happy to hear the news that Tatsuya Imai signed a three-year deal with the Houston Astros, which was announced on January 1. Th

Another major domino is off the board, but there are still tons of arms left on the market who could help a pennant push in 2026.

Tatsuya Imai was a big free agent pitcher on the market who ended up signing this week. Though the Houston Astros decided to give it a go with the Japanese pitcher, apparently other teams had some concerns.

Kaleb Ort, Astros relief pitcher, was just designated for assignment to make room for incoming pitcher Tatsuya Imai

The New York Mets were reportedly not involved in the Tatsuya Imai sweepstakes and now must look elsewhere to add pitching.

Astros predicted to totally cut ties with $199 million 2022 World Series champion, two-time All-Star after signing Tatsuya Imai originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

It may be a new year, but as we enter 2026, the Philadelphia Phillies just put their fans through a familiar test of faith with another failed offseason pursuit of a star Japanese player. Any hope that fans might have had about their chances of landing right-hander Tatsuya Imai ahead of his negotiating window closing was quickly squashed on New Year's Day.