The Los Angeles Dodgers have seemingly established a stronghold in Japan, and in particular on the pitching front with their signings of Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki.
Of course, Ohtani spent six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels before signing what was a record-breaking contract with the Dodgers in December 2023. Yamamoto joined the organization that same month upon being posted by the Orix Buffaloes, and Sasaki followed suit the following year.
Now it’s Tatsuya Imai who is making the jump from Japan, though he seemingly doesn’t have interest in signing with the Dodgers. The right-hander said his preference is to be on the team that dethrones the back-to-back World Series champions.
That stance generated some surprise and certainly plenty of reaction, but during an appearance on “Foul Territory,” Max Muncy downplayed it and likened Imai’s comments to what the Dodgers already face from opposing starters:
“I mean, to be honest, it’s no different than any other starting pitcher out there, where they all want to take us down. I haven’t looked into this guy at all. I don’t know what his stuff is. I’m sure he’s amazing, as we’ve seen a lot of the Japanese pitchers that have come over have been extremely good, with the guys on our staff. So I’m sure he’s very, very talented and very good. Every pitcher that’s not on our team is saying the same thing. They want to take us down, they want to be the one to beat us. That’s what makes it fun to play for the Dodgers. You’re going to get everyone’s best every single night.”
Imai pitched nine seasons with the Saitama Seibu Lions of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and is coming off his most impressive year yet. Imai made 24 starts for the Lions this past season, going 10-5 with a 1.92 ERA and 0.89 WHIP in 163.2 innings pitched.
Imai’s posting window and deadline to sign with an MLB team is 2 p.m. PT on Jan. 2, 2026.
Tatsuya Imai wants to face Shohei Ohtani
Part of Imai’s motivation and drive to pitch against the Dodgers is wanting to test his fastball in matchups with Ohtani.
The 27-year-old has drawn comparisons to New York Mets’ Kodai Senga and possesses a wide range of pitches that includes a fastball that can reach 99 mph.
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