The Houston Astros have made a splash in the Japanese market this offseason by signing right-hander Tatsuya Imai to a three-year, $54 million deal. This contract includes opt-out options after the 2026 and 2027 seasons, offering both flexibility and security for the team and player.
Imai, a standout pitcher with the Saitama Seibu Lions in Nippon Professional Baseball, brings an impressive resume to Houston, highlighted by three All-Star selections. His approach to pitching is what really sets him apart. Unlike the typical Major League starter who rests the day before a game, Imai has a unique routine that Astros manager Joe Espada describes as "very rare."
Instead of taking it easy, Imai throws bullpen sessions the day before he starts. As reported by Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle, Imai maintains this practice to "get a feel for his pitches" right before taking the mound. It’s a method he developed in Japan and one that the Astros are open to accommodating.
To ease Imai's transition to the Major Leagues, Houston plans to begin the season with a six-man rotation. This strategy aligns with the common practice in NPB, where six starters are the norm. The Astros are likely to support Imai’s routine as long as it continues to contribute positively to his performance.
So far, the results are promising. In two spring training outings, Imai has yet to allow a run and has recorded three strikeouts. As the season approaches, fans will be eager to see if this unconventional approach pays off in the high-stakes environment of Major League Baseball.