Toronto Blue Jays seen as likely destination for Japanese superstar
Photo credit: https://www.bleacherreport.com
Might the Blue Jays search for pitching go international?
After it was announced
that Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai was being posted by NPB's Seibu Lions, it was also reported that the Toronto Blue Jays are seen as one of the front runners for his services.
that Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai was being posted by NPB's Seibu Lions, it was also reported that the Toronto Blue Jays are seen as one of the front runners for his services.
Blue Jays are monitoring Tatsuya Imai, who appears well positioned for a big payday
Toronto has of course, been linked to Japanese players in the past, having missed out on Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki in consecutive off-seasons. While the Dodgers aren't as likely to land Imai, they also cannot be counted out.
In his piece for Bleacher Report, Zachary Rymer writes about Imai would fulfil Toronto's desire for a Japanese star.
Imai would fit the bill, and he would scratch Toronto's apparent itch for a Japanese star. It rather infamously courted Shohei Ohtani two winters ago, and it was in on Roki Sasaki last winter. Trouble is, the Blue Jays do seem to have a limited budget, and you wonder if they won't turn to Imai unless they miss out on their top priority: re-signing Bo Bichette."
Any potential offer to Imai is linked to Bo Bichette
Of course, any potential offer the Blue Jays make to Imai would be affected by what happens with Bo Bichette. Imai has been projected to make anywhere between $125-$150MM, and with a roughly $200MM price tag for Bichette, the Blue Jays will have to consider whether they are willing to spend $350MM on two players.
Still, with several pitchers due for free agency after 2026, Imai could be a good, long-term investment.
Previously on Blue Jays Central
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