Tatsuya Imai, the star pitcher of Japan's Seibu Lions, delivered an overwhelming performance in the 2025 season, immediately attracting strong interest from multiple Major League Baseball teams in the U.S., making him a likely candidate for a lucrative contract worth $200 million (approximately 1.342 billion RMB).

According to ESPN journalist Jeff Passan, this season the 27-year-old Imai threw 143.2 innings, struck out 159 batters, issued 37 walks, allowed only 4 home runs, and maintained an ERA as low as 1.50. Several of his games drew over 20 MLB scouts in person. Despite being only 180 cm tall, his fastball velocity consistently reaches 95 mph (about 153 km/h), peaking at 99 mph (around 159 km/h). His diverse pitch arsenal includes a slider, changeup, forkball, curveball, and this season added a sinker, making him a top Japanese pitching prospect headed for the majors.

Passan speculates that if the Seibu Lions are willing to let him go, they could secure a high posting fee through the posting system. Some team executives believe Imai could command a total contract value of $200 million, others estimate $150 million, while the most conservative prediction is $80 million.

Besides Imai, Passan also discussed two other Nippon Professional Baseball players who might transition to the MLB: Yakult Swallows’ “Village God” Munetaka Murakami and Yomiuri Giants’ powerful hitter Kazuma Okamoto.

The Yakult Swallows are expected to allow 25-year-old Munetaka Murakami to pursue a career in the MLB. This season, he has attracted attention from several MLB teams; for example, Mets GM David Stearns witnessed his walk-off home run firsthand, while Padres GM A.J. Preller watched him hit three home runs in a single game. Murakami broke Sadaharu Oh’s single-season record of 56 home runs three years ago. Although he missed many games this year due to injury, he has hit 17 home runs in 33 games since returning, showing remarkable power. Passan noted that despite concerns such as high strikeout rates and a possible move to first base, Murakami’s power is on a trans-Pacific level. If he maintains his slugging output, his contract ceiling could surpass that of Imai.

At 29 years old, Kazuma Okamoto is one of Japan’s most consistent power hitters, but scouts generally regard him as the most uncertain candidate. His contract length is expected to be relatively short, but if he can prove his elbow has fully recovered by September, signing a deal worth over $50 million would be quite reasonable.