Why MLB Teams Backed Off Tatsuya Imai — And What It Means for Houston

Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai hit the market this offseason with the kind of hype that usually sends MLB front offices scrambling. Yet despite his breakout year in Japan, teams across the league have taken a noticeable step back from the early excitement. For the Houston Astros, who continue searching for reliable pitching, the shift is worth watching.

According to reporting from Sportskeeda, several MLB evaluators cooled on Imai once they dug into the deeper scouting details. His fastball velocity, command profile, and the adjustment required to face MLB hitters raised enough hesitation to slow the early pursuit.

Why Teams Pumped the Brakes

Imai built his reputation in Nippon Professional Baseball with a strong 2023 season, showcasing improved control and the ability to miss bats in key situations. But the underlying metrics reportedly gave MLB teams pause. Scouts questioned whether his fastball would translate against big-league lineups, and some worried about his durability over a 162-game season.

While his breaking pitches drew praise, several clubs saw him more as a developmental rotation piece than an immediate-impact starter. That difference in projection is believed to be the main factor in why the early stampede for his services slowed.

Why It Matters for Houston

The Astros remain in the market for pitching depth after a season marked by injuries and uneven production. With the free-agent class thinning and prices rising, international arms like Imai have been on Houston’s radar.

A cooled market could create opportunity, but it could also signal caution. If teams across MLB are hesitant, the Astros’ front office will have to balance upside with risk. Houston has previously found success with international pitching, but they’ve also avoided moves where the analytical profile didn’t fully align with long-term planning.

What’s Next

Imai still represents intriguing potential for any club willing to invest in his transition to MLB. Whether Houston views him as a fit depends on their confidence in his ability to adjust quickly and stay consistent.

As the offseason continues and the Astros weigh additions, Imai’s situation remains one of the more interesting pitching storylines to watch.

This article is a summary of reporting by Sportskeeda. Read the full story here.