Fearless about joining an East Coast big-market team! The "Imai bidding war" continues to heat up.

Seibu Lions' ace pitcher Tatsuya Imai is challenging Major League Baseball through the posting system during the offseason, drawing attention from many teams. A fierce "Imai bidding war" has already begun. According to MLB Trade Rumors, teams like the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and Chicago Cubs are all interested in acquiring this Japanese star pitcher.

Reports from various journalists indicate the competition is intensifying. Bruce Levine of 670 The Score pointed out that the Cubs are expected to be strong contenders in this battle; meanwhile, Jon Heyman of the New York Post revealed that the Yankees and Phillies have also entered the fray. It is reported that if Tatsuya Imai remains unsigned before the Winter Meetings conclude, meetings with interested teams could be arranged next week.

MLB Trade Rumors analysis notes that the Cubs’ desire to strengthen their starting rotation is well known. Even if they retain Shota Imanaga, they are still looking for a frontline starter who can shoulder the postseason workload. Imai’s explosive pitching power and dominant performance in Nippon Professional Baseball demonstrate his potential to be that type of pitcher. The Cubs’ current rotation includes Shota Imanaga, Cade Horton, and others; signing Imai along with ace Justin Steele, who is returning from TJ surgery, would make their rotation very deep.

Regarding the Phillies, MLB Trade Rumors points out that although signing Imai means another big contract, it prepares them for a potential shortage of starting pitchers in 2027. By then, Jesus Luzardo and Taijuan Walker may become free agents, and the statuses of Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola remain uncertain. Therefore, Imai’s addition would provide crucial pitching depth.

Finally, about the Yankees, MLB Trade Rumors believes that among these teams, the Yankees have the least urgent need to bolster their starting rotation. Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole, who underwent TJ surgery, is expected to return early next year. Max Fried had an excellent first season with the team, Carlos Rodón also performed well this year, and with young talents like Luis Gil, the rotation is well stocked. However, this does not rule out the possibility of the Yankees signing Imai and then trading to improve their outfield strength.

According to veteran reporter Ken Rosenthal, Tatsuya Imai is not afraid to join a big-market team on the East Coast. The eventual destination of this Japanese ace is eagerly anticipated by many.

Note: Earlier reports indicated that the Giants, a division rival, have basically withdrawn from the bidding due to various financial considerations, including deferred payments for Blake Snell and coaching staff changes, and will not offer a contract exceeding $100 million for Imai. Additionally, the New York Mets have been mentioned as interested in Imai, but their enthusiasm may not be as strong as when they pursued Yoshinobu Yamamoto two years ago.