What a way to start 2026, y’all!
We’ve all known for a while that the Astros top priority in the offseason was to beef up the pitching staff, specifically the rotation. They first signed free-agents in Nate Pearson and Ryan Weiss then traded for Mike Burrows before the holidays in December. But it still felt like their work wasn’t done. I mean, you can’t ever have enough pitching. Signing Tatsuya Imai, though, would certainly help that cause, at least for 2026 ($18 million AAV). With opt outs in place after every season for the next three years, there is the risk that Imai is only in Houston for one season. But, for the short term, the rotation options appears set…for now.
More analysis about Imai as a pitcher to follow, but this development also makes it clear that Framber Valdez isn’t coming back. Not exactly a surprise to most observers, however, the addition of Imai only solidifies that stance from the Astros. But, at first glance, there is still some risk within the starting rotation. There is also upside, too, and it’ll be fascinating to see how everything shakes out.
Such a great way to start the new year
Like the signing. Imai reportedly has a great split finger pitch. Japanese pitchers have perfected really good splitters. And the scouting report is that several teams believe they can improve his delivery
Seems like Yesavage kind of shined the light on the splitter with his performance in the playoffs last year and that particular pitch might be the next big thing that every pitcher tries to perfect and what teams will look for when acquiring pitchers. The Astros have acquired two players who utilize that pitch (Imai, and Burrows). If they experience a decent amount of success this offseason then I wouldn’t be surprised to see them continue down that rabbit hole.
Seems like Trey Yesavage reminded everyone of how effective the splitter could be with his playoff performance this past season. Wouldn’t be surprised to see more pitcher’s try to incorporate that pitch into their arsenal, and more teams try to acquire pitcher’s who are successful with it.
Didn’t realize my first post posted as anonymous. Thought I cancelled it.
In general. Super excited. Loosing Framber will still hurt, but the rotation depth and length this team has going into next season is in such a better place.
We’re at a point where I am no longer concerned about the rotation, with the addition of Imai and Burrows. Uncertainty? Certainly. But the upside is very high, and the major concern with Burrows (IP) isn’t there with Imai. Proper load management, and actual depth champing at the bit in AAA should an injury occur, might help us avoid the IL hell of the last three seasons when it came to starters.
Also happy to see that our treatment of Kikuchi in his short time here might have gotten a little notice from other Japanese players. Imai is going to find a friendlier and more forgiving fanbase here than he would have in LA or NY, but one still dedicated to winning.
I like this signing.
I know we got rid of the training staff, but you still can’t have enough pitchers. If I remember correctly, this guy was the top pitcher on the Japanese market and he’s had success out there. Given how some of those guys translated out here the past few years, I think he’ll be just as good. The fact that he hates the Dodgers too is only a plus for me.
Konnichiwa, Tatsuya!
Happy that they finally signed a Japanese player straight out of Japan. I like the rotation now. I like that any guys coming back from injury will be a bonus instead of being counted on.
It was one of the things I was hoping for. Really happy this came true.
Out of curiosity does Imai count as a “prospect” now and would he be ranked in our system. In the past I know that Japanese players coming over to the US were ranked as rookies their first season. I wasn’t for sure if they changed that, or if that is still the case.
If he does classify as a prospect then I assume that he jumps to the top of the Astros list, right?
Hey there, lifelong Astro fan and longtime lurker at the canceled site. I signed up for Discord, but didn’t know how to find the re- assembled group. Can someone help?
Try this link: https://discord.gg/ZfgyZaCRJ
Thx, it worked. Really appreciate it
Excited to see him perform for the Stros. However there is the chance that if he pitches
really well this season he may opt out of his contract for more money elsewhere.