Tatsuya Imai made his intentions clear with his first few words during an introductory news conference with the Houston Astros on Monday. The Japanese right-hander smiled and before reading a prepared message in English from his phone. “What’s up H-town?” he said. “I am Tatsuya Imai and I’m ready to chase a world championship. Let’s…
With pitchers and catchers set to report to spring training in just over a month, it’s surprising that a handful of high-profile free agents are still seeking long-term homes. All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker, the No. 1 player in this year’s class, continues to explore deals and, as a result, is likely holding up the market….
Coming up with the top-10 moments over the past year was not easy for 2025. Baseball hit a boom period this past year, with history being made throughout the season at MLB’s biggest events. The World Series was one to remember, and the All-Star Game finished with a swing-off for the first time ever. Here…
Dylan Cease’s massive $210 million commitment with the Blue Jays didn’t ignite the pitching market, but deadlines tend to spur action. One day ahead of Tatsuya Imai’s posting window closing, the Japanese standout is now off the board after reportedly signing a three-year deal with the Astros that includes opt-outs after each season and can…
The Tatsuya Imai sweepstakes has come to a close. The Houston Astros have signed the Japanese right-hander to a deal, ESPN reported on Thursday. Imai signed a three-year deal with opt outs after every season and a total value of $63 million, per the Athletic. The deadline to sign Imai, who was posted in mid-November,…
The Houston Astros are at an inflection point. They just missed the playoffs for the first time in nine years with the winner of their division (the American League West) claiming the AL West with just 90 wins (Seattle Mariners). Moreover, Houston, which traditionally boasts a high-octane offense, was just 21st in MLB in runs…
Star outfielder Kyle Tucker is arguably the best player on the MLB free agent market, and the Chicago Cubs have to be prepared for him to be paid like that. In other words, they need a backup plan to make up for the impact and production that Tucker’s potential departure would vacate. Not to mention,…
Deadlines spark action, and with teams reluctant to give Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami the long-term, nine-figure commitment many originally projected, the Chicago White Sox pounced on the boom-or-bust opportunity to add the 25-year-old corner infielder whose ceiling is as high as any slugger’s on the market. Twenty-four hours before his posting window closed, Murakami and…
Earlier this month at the Winter Meetings, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow noted, not so subtly, that the club was looking to add power to the lineup. At the same time, Boston was linked to then-free-agent slugger Pete Alonso, with reports stating that Red Sox executives connected with the first baseman before he…
The Mets had more players than spaces for them after trading for Marcus Semien and signing free agent Jorge Polanco, but they have now cleared some of that up in a deal with the Athletics. New York is sending infielder/outfielder Jeff McNeil and $5.75 million to Sacramento, in exchange for right-handed pitcher Yordan Rodriguez. The…
