Over the next couple of weeks, expect Tatsuya Imai’s name to stay front and center in MLB offseason chatter. The 27-year-old right-hander is one of the most intriguing arms on the market, and both the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees are firmly in the mix. But don’t expect this to be a simple two-horse race-there are layers to this pursuit, and neither team is locked in just yet.
Let’s start with Chicago. The Cubs have done their homework on Imai, but there’s a ceiling to their interest.
Internally, there seems to be hesitation about whether Imai projects as a true top-of-the-rotation starter. That’s a big distinction.
Teams will pay ace money for an ace. But if there’s any doubt about that ceiling, the nine-figure price tag becomes a much tougher pill to swallow.
According to reporting from insiders, the Cubs are unlikely to stay in the bidding if Imai’s market pushes toward the high end of projections-something in the $190 million range. That’s simply not a number Chicago seems comfortable with, especially if they don’t view him as a surefire frontline arm.
It’s not a knock on Imai’s talent. The Cubs have confidence in their pitching development infrastructure.
They’ve shown they can take good arms and make them better. But even with that in-house belief, they’re not going to force a fit.
If they don’t see ace potential, they’re not going to pay like they do.
That said, don’t count them out entirely. If the market shifts-if Imai’s price drops the way Shota Imanaga’s did when he made the jump to MLB-Chicago could pounce.
They’re not opposed to making a move; they’re just not going to chase the market. It’s a disciplined approach, and whether you agree with it or not, it’s clearly the strategy the front office is leaning into.
So where does that leave the Cubs if Imai ends up elsewhere? One name that immediately comes into focus is Zac Gallen.
If Chicago strikes out on Imai and can’t swing a trade for a controllable starter, Gallen becomes the obvious target to shore up the rotation. He’s a proven front-end guy and would instantly raise the ceiling of the Cubs’ staff.
What the Cubs can’t afford to do is stand pat. Banking on the return of Justin Steele as the only rotation upgrade would be a misstep. Steele is a key piece, no doubt, but relying solely on internal reinforcements isn’t how you win divisions-especially not with the Brewers still setting the pace in the NL Central.
Bottom line: The Cubs are in the mix for Imai, but they’re playing it smart and staying within their valuation. If the market comes to them, they’ll be ready.
If not, they’ll pivot. But one way or another, they need to add impact pitching this winter.
Standing still isn’t an option.