Houston Astros end up signing one of the Toronto Blue Jays free agent targets
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Victor William
Jan 1, 2026 (12:30)
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Photo credit: Fubo
The Toronto Blue Jays will have to keep looking at the free agent market for a new pitcher as the Houston Astros sign Tatsuya Imai.
The Blue Jays were one of the top teams interested in Imai over the last month or so but it looks like they have been beat out once again when it comes to international free agents.
Astros sign Tatsuya Imai
The Astros announced quite the surprise this early afternoon as they have made the first big move of 2026 by signing Imai to a three year deal which maxes out at $63 million and also includes an opt out after every season.
The Astros are in agreement with Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai on a three-year contract, source tells
@TheAthletic
. The deal maxes out at $63 million and contains opt outs after every season.
@TheAthletic
. The deal maxes out at $63 million and contains opt outs after every season.
The breakdown for Imai's contract with the Astros was announced which includes $18 million next year with $3 million in bonuses depending on how many innings he pitches and $54 million guaranteed out of the potential $63 million.
Imai Contract: $18M a year with $3M in PB at 80ip/90ip/100ip total $21M a year possible. $54M guarantee, $63M possible #astros
This is a massive contract for Imai which is likely the reason he ended up in Houston instead of elsewhere since Toronto would have likely not spent that kind of money on him with all the other top free agents they are currently looking at.
Fans were quite surprised to see Imai head to Houston since they were not mentioned as one of the top teams interested in him heading into the signing deadline.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 1|298 ANSWERS Houston Astros end up signing one of the Toronto Blue Jays free agent targets Should the Blue Jays have made a more competitive offer to Tatsuya Imai? | ||
| Yes | 107 | 35.9 % |
| No | 191 | 64.1 % |
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