The Chicago Cubs have delivered one of the most surprising and refreshing moves of the offseason, securing a huge commitment from Tatsuya Imai, the Japanese pitching standout who shocked the baseball world by turning down the Los Angeles Dodgers’ rapidly growing superteam of Japanese stars.
For weeks, Imai had been viewed as a likely fit for the Dodgers. With Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and possibly Roki Sasaki forming one of the most powerful Japanese cores ever assembled in MLB, the assumption was that Imai would be the next to join the movement in Los Angeles. But the right-hander made waves across Japan and MLB when he publicly stated that he didn’t want to join those stars — he wanted to beat them.
That bold statement immediately reshaped his free-agent market and opened a clear, unexpected lane for the Chicago Cubs.
Once Imai removed the Dodgers from contention, the Cubs rose quickly as the perfect match. Chicago’s rotation needs, competitive roster, and opportunity for a prominent role aligned seamlessly with what the 29-year-old ace was looking for. Behind Justin Steele, the Cubs had been searching for a reliable frontline-caliber starter who could anchor the staff and handle big-game moments. Imai arrives ready to fill that spot.
Chicago’s pitching development system also played a role. While it no longer dominates headlines the way it once did, the Cubs’ infrastructure is still highly respected for maximizing pitchers with high-carry, rising fastballs — a strength that mirrors Imai’s profile. Japanese analysts have compared the movement and explosiveness of his fastball to the shape seen from Kodai Senga, a pitch type the Cubs’ system is built to enhance.
Imai’s résumé made him one of the most attractive talents available. He is coming off a Sawamura Award–winning season with a 1.92 ERA and 178 strikeouts, and he enters MLB without any draft-pick compensation or significant durability concerns. Unlike other top free-agent pitchers, his acquisition does not force a team into a massive nine-figure bidding war, making him an incredibly efficient and high-upside addition.
But beyond the statistics, it was Imai’s mindset that made Chicago the ideal landing spot.
His desire to challenge Ohtani and Yamamoto, instead of joining them, immediately differentiated him from other international stars who choose comfort and familiarity in free agency. The Cubs, hungry to regain control of the NL Central and return to October baseball, offered both the competitive fire and the opportunity that aligned with Imai’s goals.
While the Dodgers and other contenders still made their pitches, Imai’s ambition to stand on the opposite side of baseball’s biggest Japanese names ultimately guided him to Wrigley Field.
For Chicago, this signing is more than a talent boost — it’s a bold statement to the division and the league.
The Cubs didn’t just add an ace.
They added the offseason’s most surprising and motivated competitor.
