Tatsuya Imai to Exercise $18 Million Player Option With Astros

Houston Astros right-hander Tatsuya Imai will exercise his $18 million player option for 2027 following a challenging debut MLB season. After signing a three-year contract last winter, the 28-year-old posted a 4.93 ERA with 6.0 BB/9 across 76.2 innings and was demoted from the rotation. Despite struggles adjusting to MLB mounds and travel schedules, Imai flashed upside, including six no-hit innings in a May combined no-hitter.