Name: Tatsuya Imai joins Houston Astros, aims for championship run
Uploaded: 2026-01-07T18:47:26.092Z
Duration: 1 min 15 s
Description: Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai has signed a three-year, $54 million deal with the Houston Astros, expressing his commitment to help the team return to championship contention.

Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai has signed a three-year, $54 million deal with the Houston Astros, expressing his commitment to help the team return to championship contention.

Houston

Japanese right-handed pitcher Tatsuya Imai was introduced as the newest member of the Houston Astros, addressing fans in English and expressing his excitement to help the team pursue a world championship. Imai, who posted a 1.92 ERA and 178 strikeouts with the Cebu Lions last season, joins the Astros on a three-year, $54 million contract.

His arrival comes as the Astros look to rebound after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016, especially with former ace Frambois Valdez now a free agent. Imai's strong track record and three all-star selections in Japan are seen as a significant boost to Houston's championship hopes.

Tatsuya Imai joins Houston Astros, aims for championship run

The message was clear from the moment he stepped to the microphone. Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai smiled, pulled out his phone, and delivered his promise to Houston in perfect English. What's up, H-town? I'm Tatsuya Imai. Are you ready to chase a world championship? Let's go, Houston. The 27-year-old's arrival comes at a crucial time for an Astros organization searching for answers after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016. His $54 million commitment over three years signals Houston's determination to return to championship contention, especially with ace Frambois Valdez now a free agent. I'm just very excited to go after and chase a world championship here and perform for an organization like the Houston Astros. The numbers back up the excitement. A dominant 1.92 ERA last season with the Cebu Lions, 178 strikeouts in 163 innings, and three all-star selections in Japan. Houston's championship window just got a significant boost.

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