The Toronto Blue Jays and their MLB competitors are preparing for another high-stakes pursuit of Japanese pitching talent, but this time with a compelling twist. Free agent pitcher Tatsuya Imai has openly declared he would prefer to defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers rather than join their star-studded roster, potentially opening the door for teams like the Blue Jays to secure his services.
A Different Mindset in the Japanese Market
Unlike his countrymen Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki who joined the Dodgers, Tatsuya Imai is taking a different approach to his MLB transition. The 27-year-old right-hander made his position clear during an appearance on the Japanese program Hodo Station, stating through translation: "Of course I'd enjoy playing alongside Ohtani, Yamamoto and Sasaki. But winning against a team like that and becoming a world champion would be the most valuable thing in my life. If anything, I'd rather take them down."
This bold declaration represents a significant shift from the recent trend of Japanese stars flocking to Los Angeles. Imai further explained his unconventional thinking, telling host and former MLB pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka that he actively seeks the challenge of adapting to cultural differences without relying on fellow Japanese players for support.
Why Imai Attracts MLB Attention
Scouts have plenty of reasons to be excited about the Seibu Lions standout. During his final season in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league, Imai posted a dominant 1.92 ERA over 163.2 innings while striking out 178 batters. His fastball reaches 95 mph, and despite his relatively slight build at 5-foot-11 and 154 pounds, evaluators believe his pitching arsenal will translate effectively to Major League Baseball.
Having made three NPB All-Star teams since 2021, Imai brings proven consistency to the market. Super agent Scott Boras, who now represents the pitcher, told reporters at the GM meetings that Imai's talent leaves "an indelible mark" on those who watch him pitch. Industry expectations suggest Imai could command a contract exceeding $100 million US when he officially hits the market after being posted on November 19.
Blue Jays' Potential Interest
Toronto's front office has reason to monitor Imai's situation closely. The Blue Jays face rotation uncertainties with Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt entering free agency following the World Series, while Kevin Gausman and Shane Bieber approach free agency after the 2026 campaign.
General Manager Ross Atkins offered measured comments about Imai during the GM meetings in early November, describing him as "a good player with a really interesting arsenal that had an incredible year." Atkins acknowledged the team has done background work on Imai and plans to conduct more evaluation, noting he's "glad that he's going to be an option for the industry."
The Blue Jays have experienced recent disappointments in high-profile Japanese pitching pursuits, finishing as runners-up for both Ohtani in 2023 and Sasaki last year. Imai's expressed desire to chart his own path rather than follow his countrymen to Los Angeles could create the opening Toronto needs to finally land a top Japanese pitcher.
As baseball's Winter Meetings approach in early December in Orlando, Imai's market is expected to intensify. His unique mindset combined with his proven performance in Japan makes him one of the most intriguing stories of the MLB offseason, with the Blue Jays positioned as potential serious suitors for a pitcher who wants to make his mark by beating the best rather than joining them.
