The Chicago Cubs have officially acquired Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai, adding a high-upside pitching arm to their starting rotation and providing critical depth as the team heads into the 2026 season.
Imai, a standout in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league, boasts a mid-90s fastball and a “wrong-way slider,” giving him a diverse and formidable arsenal. His addition is expected to strengthen a Cubs rotation that already includes Shota Imanaga, Cade Horton, Jameson Taillon, Matthew Boyd, and either Colin Rea or Javier Assad, with Justin Steele anticipated to return midseason following elbow surgery.
For the Cubs, landing Imai addresses a long-standing need for rotation stability and veteran presence. The team acted decisively as Imai’s posting window was set to close on January 2, ensuring they secured one of the top pitching prospects available.
“This is a major step forward for our rotation,” a Cubs spokesperson said. “Tatsuya brings both elite talent and versatility. He’s ready to contribute right away and will provide depth and consistency for the long season ahead.”
Imai’s signing also signals Chicago’s willingness to move aggressively in the free-agent market while other teams are still evaluating options. His mid-season arrival ensures that the Cubs can integrate him into the staff smoothly, allowing him to make an immediate impact and share the workload with their existing rotation.
With Imai officially on board, the Cubs are poised to enter the 2026 campaign with one of the deeper and more dynamic rotations in the league, giving fans optimism for both immediate success and sustained competitiveness.
