Overview
- Japanese outlets Nikkan Sports and Sponichi report the Yankees will be fully involved in bidding for right-hander Tatsuya Imai.
- In-person meetings with MLB suitors are expected to begin soon, with reports indicating Imai plans to visit interested teams.
- The Phillies, Mets and Cubs are also linked to Imai, with some coverage suggesting Philadelphia may hold a slight edge.
- The Yankees’ rotation need is acute with Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón recovering from elbow surgeries, increasing pressure to add a frontline starter.
- Industry forecasts point to a six- or seven-year contract around $150 million after Imai’s 2025 breakout (1.92 ERA, strong strikeout rates), and GM Brian Cashman has said he will not wait on Cody Bellinger to act.