Information from the Heavy website caused a stir when it was revealed that Tatsuya Imai — the 27-year-old pitcher who was just “posted” to join MLB — made a strong statement: he did not want to join the Los Angeles Dodgers, but would rather confront them to… take down the defending champions.
Imai said on a TV show in Japan: “Playing with [Shohei] Ohtani, [Yoshinobu] Yamamoto or [Roki] Sasaki sounds attractive — but winning a championship by beating them, that is the real value.”
This message was like a silent declaration of war, shocking the entire MLB — and especially causing the Chicago Cubs to reconsider their ambition to conquer the 2026 season.
Imai: “An Elite Pitcher But With His Own Principles” – Why Are Cubs Stuck?
Tatsuya Imai is no ordinary pitcher. In his 2025 season with NPB, he recorded an incredible 1.92 ERA, 178 strikeouts in 163⅔ innings, and helped the Seibu Lions make history with a combined no-hitter.
But along with talent comes principles — Imai said he wanted to go to a team without a fellow Japanese, to experience it all for himself: from culture, language, pressure, to practice — an idea that has fans in awe, but also made many organizations shake their heads.
This puts the San Francisco Giants — who have a history of signing NPB stars — in a difficult position. According to The Athletic, the team almost withdrew from the race because of the high cost.
As for Chicago, the question is: are they willing to take the risk — a top-tier, but unpredictable pitcher — to add to the 2026 rotation?
Analyst Bruce Levine on a show on Marquee Sports Network asserted: “Imai is the swing-and-miss type (swing-breaking pitcher), which is what the Cubs need next to Cade Horton. If this team wants to get back to the top, they have to do everything to get him.”
Countdown: The “Posting Window” Is Narrowing — Decide in a Few Weeks
According to the rules, MLB teams only have until January 2, 2026, to sign Imai — after which the “window” will close.
With high value, great prospects, but strict conditions, Imai is taking the transfer market by storm. Teams are weighing whether they can meet Imai’s “lonely” desires — from team culture to playing environment — in exchange for a pitcher who could become an icon in the years to come.
If Imai is signed: The Cubs could add a formidable ace, helping the rotation of Cade Horton — Imai — and other strong pitchers — compete in the NL Central.
If they miss: Imai could join another team — perhaps the Yankees or Mets — and the Cubs would lose their chance to solidify their roster before the 2026 season begins.
As Bruce Levine said: “Do whatever it takes to get him. Because opportunities like this don’t come around again.”
Tatsuya Imai is not only a hot commodity in free agency, but also a symbol of the spirit of daring to be different, daring to challenge oneself. The statement “I’d rather beat the Dodgers than play with them” is more than just a shocking statement — it’s a declaration of ambition, of honor, of pride for a Japanese man who wants to make his mark in MLB.
With teams like the Cubs hungry for consistent, explosive performance, Imai could be the perfect fit — if they’re willing to risk greatness.
The countdown is on. This winter, MLB won’t just change the name of the team — it could change the landscape.
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