New York/Tokyo — The New York Yankees are preparing for an offseason that could reshape their roster. Two of Japan’s brightest stars, pitcher Tatsuya Imai and slugger Munetaka Murakami, have moved to the top of their wish list for 2026. With pitching depth and offensive power both areas of focus, the Yankees see these players as potential game changers.
Yankees eyeing dominant Japanese pitcher with electric stuff
Tatsuya Imai, the ace of the Seibu Lions, has caught the attention of Yankees scouts throughout the 2025 season. The 27-year-old right-hander has been one of Nippon Professional Baseball’s best arms, dominating hitters with a 1.50 ERA across 143.2 innings. His performance includes a 28.8 percent strikeout rate and a walk rate of only 6.7 percent.
At 5-foot-11 and 154 pounds, Imai doesn’t carry the typical build of a power pitcher. But his stuff has silenced the Pacific League. His fastball regularly sits at 95 mph and has reached as high as 99 mph.
“With a vicious slider, a changeup, a splitter, a curveball and a sinker he picked up this season, Imai has the sort of pitch mix that teams covet,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported. “With Imai flashing excellent control for the first time in his career, it would make sense for the Saitama Seibu Lions to reap a hefty posting fee by allowing him to come to the majors now.”
Industry projections suggest Imai could land a deal worth between $140 million and $200 million once posted. Reports note that front office officials are split on whether his market will reach the top of that range, but most expect a massive payday.
Jake Elman of FanSided pointed to the Yankees as one of the frontrunners for Imai. “Don’t be surprised to see the New York Yankees … go all-in on trying to land Imai, especially given their history in attracting Japanese pitchers,” Elman wrote.
Record-breaking slugger set to join MLB exodus from Japan
Munetaka Murakami represents the Yankees’ other primary target. The 25-year-old third baseman already holds a place in Japanese baseball history. In 2022, he hit 56 home runs, breaking Sadaharu Oh’s single-season NPB record that had stood for nearly six decades.
Murakami’s power has not slowed. Despite injury setbacks in 2025, he has still delivered in limited action. Over 48 games, the left-handed slugger has recorded 20 home runs and 40 RBIs. He remains a two-time Central League MVP, having won the award in 2021 and 2022.
In a league where a home run is hit every 60 plate appearances, Murakami has homered once every 9.2 plate appearances this year, according to ESPN’s data. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 213 pounds, he brings both size and versatility to any lineup.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post emphasized the Yankees’ interest. “Power is undeniable (17 HR in 46 games, 56 HR in 2022) for the two-time Central League MVP, and he’s only 25,” Heyman wrote.
Posting system creates pathway to the Bronx
For both Imai and Murakami, the path to Major League Baseball runs through Japan’s posting system. The Tokyo Yakult Swallows have confirmed Murakami will be posted this winter, making him available to all 30 MLB clubs. Because of his age and professional service time, he is not bound by international bonus pool rules.
Imai’s situation is less clear. He will not reach full free agency until after the 2026 season. Still, many in the industry expect the Seibu Lions to post him this winter rather than risk losing him for nothing.
The demand for both players has been evident. More than 20 MLB scouts attended Imai’s recent outing when he fired a two-hit shutout with 10 strikeouts. Murakami has drawn live looks from New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns and San Diego Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller.
Yankees building on Japanese connection success
The Yankees’ history with Japanese talent could give them an edge. The franchise has signed and developed stars like Hideki Matsui, Hideki Irabu, and Masahiro Tanaka. Each made a lasting mark in New York, and the club has maintained strong ties to the Japanese baseball market.
That connection comes at an ideal time. Questions about the Yankees’ rotation beyond Gerrit Cole remain, while the lineup has searched for steady production at third base. Imai would provide another frontline starter, and Murakami could add the left-handed power bat they have lacked.
Competition heating up for Japanese stars
Landing either player will not be simple. The Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to be major players, having already invested heavily in Japanese talent such as Yoshinobu Yamamoto and pursued Roki Sasaki. The San Diego Padres also loom as a threat, given their aggressive track record with international stars.
FanSided noted that both the Yankees and Padres are considered leading contenders for Imai. “Do not be surprised to see the New York Yankees or San Diego Padres go all-in on trying to land Imai, especially given their history in attracting Japanese pitchers,” the outlet reported.
The Yankees’ pursuit of Imai and Murakami highlights their intent to compete at the highest level. Both represent premium talent at critical positions, and either addition could reshape the franchise’s future.
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