The bidding war for Tatsuya Imai is reaching its final stage, with U.S. media revealing that the Yankees and Cubs have entered the last round of selection.

Tatsuya Imai, the starting pitcher for the Saitama Seibu Lions in Japan’s NPB, is using the posting system to challenge MLB, triggering a scramble among various teams. Currently, roughly five teams have made moves, and several clubs needing starting pitchers have shown willingness to pursue him. Francys Romero, a member of the Baseball Writers' Association of America, revealed today (the 17th) that the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs are believed to have made the final shortlist.

Romero posted on his personal social media: “Sources indicate that about five MLB teams have shown serious interest in 27-year-old Japanese ace Tatsuya Imai. The New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs are expected to be on the final shortlist.”

The Chicago Cubs’ starting rotation already includes left-hander Matt Boyd, who led the team with 14 wins this season, and fellow Japanese lefty Shota Imanaga, who has decided to stay with the team. Additionally, 24-year-old right-hander Ben Brown, who made his MLB debut this season, contributed 11 wins and is expected to secure a spot in next year’s rotation. Although Jameson Taillon, who also won 11 games this season, remains on the roster, the Cubs are actively pursuing Tatsuya Imai to strengthen their starting pitching depth.

For the New York Yankees, next year’s rotation includes key starters Max Fried with 19 wins this season and Carlos Rodón with 18 wins. Gerrit Cole, the 2023 Cy Young Award winner who underwent Tommy John surgery, is also expected to return from injury. However, since Cole and Rodón may not be ready for the start of next season, reinforcing the starting pitching staff has become an urgent priority for the Yankees as they aim for their first World Series title since 2009.

Currently, the deadline for the posting negotiations for Tatsuya Imai is set at 5 p.m. Eastern Time on January 2, 2026.