The Los Angeles Dodgers have built something of a pipeline to Japan in recent years-especially when it comes to elite pitching talent. First came Shohei Ohtani, the two-way superstar who crossed town from the Angels in December 2023 on a historic deal.
Then Yoshinobu Yamamoto joined the fold that same offseason, arriving with sky-high expectations after being posted by the Orix Buffaloes. A year later, Roki Sasaki-arguably the most electric young pitcher in Japan-followed suit.
Now, another name is entering the MLB conversation: Tatsuya Imai. But unlike those before him, Imai isn’t eyeing Dodger Blue. In fact, he’s aiming straight at them.
The 27-year-old right-hander, fresh off a dominant season with the Saitama Seibu Lions in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), has made it clear: he wants to be the guy who helps take down the back-to-back World Series champs. That’s not just bulletin board material-it’s a message. And it’s one that’s already made its way to the Dodgers clubhouse.
Max Muncy, never one to shy away from a challenge, addressed Imai’s comments during a recent appearance on Foul Territory. His response? Business as usual.
“To be honest, it’s no different than any other starting pitcher out there,” Muncy said. “They all want to take us down.”
Muncy admitted he hasn’t done a deep dive on Imai’s arsenal just yet, but he didn’t need to in order to recognize the pattern. “I’m sure he’s amazing,” Muncy added.
“We’ve seen a lot of Japanese pitchers come over and be extremely good-just look at the guys on our staff. Every pitcher that’s not on our team is saying the same thing.
They want to beat us. That’s what makes it fun to play for the Dodgers.
You’re going to get everyone’s best every single night.”
That’s the price of being the team on top. When you’re the defending champs-and doing it in back-to-back years-you’re not just playing games.
You’re defending a crown. And pitchers like Imai are lining up for their shot at the throne.
Imai has certainly earned the right to dream big. He’s coming off the best season of his nine-year NPB career, posting a 10-5 record with a sparkling 1.92 ERA and a WHIP of just 0.89 across 163.2 innings.
That’s not just good-it’s elite by any standard. His command, efficiency, and ability to keep hitters off balance have scouts intrigued, and it’s no surprise he’s drawing comparisons to Kodai Senga, now with the Mets.
But it’s not just about numbers for Imai. There’s a personal edge to this one.
He’s reportedly motivated by the idea of facing Shohei Ohtani-one of the most feared hitters (and former pitchers) in the game. Imai wants to test his fastball, which reportedly touches 99 mph, against Ohtani’s bat.
That’s the kind of challenge that speaks volumes about Imai’s mindset. He’s not just coming to the majors to fit in.
He’s coming to compete with the best.
His posting window is officially open, and the deadline to sign with an MLB team is 2 p.m. PT on January 2, 2026. Until then, Imai will be one of the most intriguing names on the international market-not just because of what he can do on the mound, but because of the fire he’s bringing with him.
In a league where the Dodgers have become the gold standard, Imai isn’t backing down. He’s looking to be the pitcher who brings them down.
And whether or not he gets that chance, one thing’s for sure: the Dodgers are used to having a target on their backs. They wouldn’t have it any other way.