MLB insider provides update on Astros pitcher's free agency status

2 days ago 11

Now that the MLB offseason is in full swing, players around the league are starting to plan the next part of their respective journeys, whether it's getting traded, re-signing with their current team, or testing free agency to make a move.

The latter of which isn't looking to be the case for the Houston Astros pitcher, Tatsuya Imai.

Imai expected to stay with the Astros despite opt-out clause

Tatsuya Imai will not opt out. Has $36M and 2 years younger to go on Astros deal. Also has another opt-out after 2027.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 29, 2026

As reported by MLB insider Jon Heyman, Imai is expected to opt in to his player option for the 2026-27 season with the Astros, with the option being worth $18.6 million.

The deal comes after Imai's first season in MLB, after making the move from Japan's top division, the NPB. While the likes of Munetaka Murakami, who also made the move stateside from Japan, impressed in their debut campaign, the same couldn't be said for Imai.

Across his 23 appearances for Houston, the Japanese ace posted a 6-4 record, with an ERA of 4.93 and a BB/9 of 6. While it isn't all to blame for his lackluster numbers, Imai did spend some time on the injury reserve due to arm fatigue.

Given Heyman's update, it looks as if Imai will stay at Daikin Park for the upcoming season, as it'd be imagined that he'll be looking to bounce back from his shaky debut season. Regardless of how he performs, the Japanese pitcher will have another year to opt into before his contract ahead of the 2029 season.