Astros pitcher Tatsuya Imai makes obvious $18 million contract option decision

Houston Astros right-hander Tatsuya Imai has reached a contract decision after an uneven first major league season that included time in the rotation and bullpen. The former Saitama Seibu Lions pitcher joined the Astros before the 2026 campaign on a three-year, $54 million contract with opt-outs after the 2026 and 2027 seasons. His debut year ended with a 6-4 record and 4.93 ERA across 23 appearances, including 15 starts. The agreement gave Imai an opportunity to revisit his future after his first season, with two years and $36 million remaining.