The Boston Red Sox’s addition of Sonny Gray was an excellent start to their pitching staff overhaul this offseason, but it obviously can’t be the last move they make.
At this point, the need for a “No. 2 starter” has become a rallying cry among Red Sox fans. At 36 years old, Gray could provide a fine facsimile of such an archetype in 2026, though he’s better suited for mid-rotation duties at this point in his career.
One of the most frequently names attached to the Red Sox this winter has been NPB star Tatsuya Imai, a 27-year-old right-hander with electric stuff. After producing a sterling 1.92 ERA and 2.01 FIP in 163 2/3 innings this past season, Imai is being posted to MLB by the Saitama Seibu Lions.
As one of the most talented pitchers on the market, a lot of other squads have been connected to Imai. However, one of the key suitors may be preparing to drop out of the race, which could give Boston a huge leg up in their attempts to court the Japanese sensation.
Giants backing out Tatsuya Imai sweepstakes, giving Red Sox a chance to sign Japanese ace
The San Francisco Giants have long been mentioned as one of the most logical landing spots for Imai as a team on the West Coast with money to spend and a hole at the top of their rotation. Surprising financial constraints may limit their pursuit, as it appears the team isn’t willing to shell out the cash necessary to sign a pitcher to a long-term deal this offseason.
“The teams most linked to [Imai] so far have been the Padres, Rangers, Yankees, Mets, Red Sox and Cubs,” wrote Jim Bowden of The Athletic. “At the outset of this offseason, most in the industry believed he would end up with the Giants, but the Giants have indicated that they are out on Imai and other similarly priced free agents.”
Their absence from the Imai sweepstakes should be a boon for the Red Sox, who should be as motivated as anyone on that list to get a deal done. The Padres have huge budget issues of their own, the Rangers may be rebuilding after trading Marcus Semien, and the Cubs may to have to re-align their priorities after Shota Imanaga shockingly accepted his qualifying offer for 2026.
That leaves Boston and the two New York teams as the primary suitors from Bowden’s list, though you can bet the Dodgers will at least be involved, even if Imai has made it clear he doesn’t want to pitch for them.
In case signing one of the best free-agent pitchers to bolster the rotation wasn’t already good enough motivation, keeping Imai away from the Yankees should be a huge incentive for Craig Breslow and Co. to get a deal done.
