Tatsuya Imai entered this offseason as one of the most intriguing names on the free agent pitching market. After nine seasons with the Saitama Seibu Lions, the Japanese right-hander was officially posted, giving MLB teams a shot at landing a high-upside arm with frontline potential. But as we near his January 2nd signing deadline, it’s becoming increasingly clear: Imai won’t be calling the Bronx home.
Despite early speculation linking the New York Yankees to Imai, that buzz has cooled significantly. In fact, it’s been outright shut down.
YES Network’s Jack Curry recently poured cold water on the rumors, saying there have been no discussions between the Yankees and Imai’s camp. That’s a notable development, especially given how the Yankees have historically dipped into the international market when the fit is right.
So if Imai isn’t coming to New York, where does that leave the Yankees' rotation plans? According to reports, the team is now turning its attention to the trade market.
Three names have surfaced as potential targets: Mackenzie Gore, Sandy Alcantara, and Freddy Peralta. All three bring different strengths to the table-Gore with his upside and youth, Alcantara with Cy Young pedigree (though currently recovering from injury), and Peralta with swing-and-miss stuff and team-friendly control.
The Yankees aren’t exactly desperate for arms, but they’re clearly not standing pat either. Their rotation was a bright spot in 2025.
Max Fried and Carlos Rodón anchored the staff, while Cam Schlitter’s breakout added a jolt of youth and energy. Luis Gil is expected to be fully healthy for spring training, and Gerrit Cole is on track to return from Tommy John surgery sometime in the summer.
Add in Will Warren and Clarke Schmidt, and the Yankees have a solid group. But in the AL East, solid doesn’t always cut it-depth and upside matter, especially over a 162-game grind.
So why walk away from Imai, a pitcher with top-of-the-rotation potential? It comes down to cost.
Multiple outlets have reported that Imai, represented by Scott Boras, could command a deal north of $150 million. That’s a steep price tag for a pitcher who’s never thrown a pitch in the majors-no matter how electric his NPB track record may be.
There’s a growing sense that general manager Brian Cashman isn’t willing to enter a bidding war for Imai. Instead, he appears to be leaning on a more measured approach-one focused on asset management rather than headline-grabbing contracts. It’s a strategy that’s drawn both praise and criticism in recent years, but in this case, it may reflect the team’s broader priorities.
One of those priorities? Re-signing Cody Bellinger.
The Yankees are still in the mix for the versatile slugger, and if that deal doesn’t materialize, they’re reportedly ready to pivot to Kyle Tucker. Either way, the front office seems more focused on adding a big bat than dropping nine figures on an international wild card.
As for Imai, his MLB future remains wide open-with the Dodgers already ruled out and the Yankees stepping aside, the field is narrowing. But for New York, the message is clear: they’re not going all-in on Imai. They’re playing the long game, looking for value and fit rather than flash.
And with a rotation already built on proven arms and promising depth, that approach might just pay off.