Why Tatsuya Imai Might Be the Rotation Upgrade the Giants Desperately Need
As the offseason market begins to take shape, one name continues to surface as a potential game-changer for the San Francisco Giants: Tatsuya Imai. The 27-year-old right-hander from Japan’s NPB has been linked to the Giants by several insiders, including a recent nod from Mark Feinsand, who called Imai a “perfect fit” for San Francisco. And when you take a closer look at the Giants’ current rotation outlook, it’s easy to see why.
Giants’ Rotation Needs Are No Secret
Let’s start with the cold, hard truth: the Giants need starting pitching - and not just one arm. According to a recent projection of 2026 rotations based on fWAR, the Giants rank in the bottom third of the league, sitting at 9.7 projected fWAR.
Now, while projections aren’t gospel, they are a useful compass. And right now, that compass is pointing straight toward a glaring need for rotation reinforcements.
Front offices around the league rely heavily on internal projection models to guide their offseason strategies. While those models may differ in methodology from public systems, the message is often the same. In the Giants’ case, it’s clear: they need more quality innings, more consistency, and more upside in their rotation.
Imai Brings Upside - and Fire
That’s where Imai enters the picture. He’s not just another international free agent with a strong résumé - he’s a competitor with edge.
Imai has reportedly expressed a desire to challenge the best, even going so far as to say he wants to take down teams like the Dodgers. That kind of fire is exactly what this Giants team could use - especially in a division that includes some of the most aggressive spenders and deepest rosters in baseball.
On the mound, Imai brings a mix of velocity, command, and durability that would slot nicely alongside Logan Webb and a returning Robbie Ray. He’s not just a flashy addition; he’s a foundational piece who could help stabilize a rotation that has lacked consistency in recent years.
The Boras Factor
Of course, any conversation about Imai has to include a mention of his agent - Scott Boras. Known for his strategic, media-savvy approach to negotiations, Boras rarely rushes the process.
With Imai’s 45-day posting window running through January 2, 2026, there’s still time for the market to take shape. And history tells us Boras will use every bit of that window to maximize his client’s value.
That could mean Imai’s market develops more slowly than other free-agent pitchers, especially those in the modestly-priced tier - a group the Giants are also reportedly exploring. That part of the market tends to move fast, as teams look to lock in value deals before the big names come off the board.
But Imai isn’t a value play. He’s a potential frontline starter with international experience and the kind of mentality that fits the Giants’ clubhouse culture. If San Francisco is serious about contending in the near future, this is the type of move that could elevate their rotation from patchwork to playoff-caliber.
Where the Giants Go From Here
It’s entirely possible the Giants are casting a wide net this offseason - targeting both high-upside arms like Imai and more affordable depth options. That’s a smart approach, especially for a team that needs multiple additions to its rotation. But make no mistake: if they want to make a statement and close the gap in the NL West, landing someone like Imai could be the move that sets the tone.
The winter meetings are around the corner, and that’s when talks tend to heat up. With Boras in the mix and teams jockeying for position, don’t be surprised if Imai’s name continues to rise to the top of the Giants’ wish list.
Because for a team that needs more than just innings - a team that needs presence, poise, and playoff potential - Tatsuya Imai might be more than just a fit. He might be the answer.