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Tatsuya Imai Targets the Dodgers with Astros Move

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The Los Angeles Dodgers are clearly the leader in bringing over top talent from Japan. Two offseasons ago, they signed free agent Shohei Ohtani to a then-record deal after his tenure with the Los Angeles Angels. Then, the acquisition of superstar ace pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto two years ago took them over the top in the 2025 World Series, as he won the Series MVP. Roki Sasaki has also become a great weapon for the Dodgers out of the bullpen. 

Tatsuya Imai Said He Wants to Beat the Dodgers. He Joined a Team That Can.

The rise and continuation of Japanese stars to MLB has continued this offseason, and the Houston Astros finally cashed in with the acquisition of right-handed starter Tatsuya Imai. He is a three-time All-Star in Nippon Professional Baseball with the Saitama Seibu Lions. Last season, Imai posted a 1.92 ERA with 178 strikeouts over 163 2/3 innings.

Imai was the biggest pitching name coming out of Japan signed to the big leagues this year. While rumors abounded about where he wanted to go, the Astros suddenly jumped in and signed him for a three-year, $63 million deal with incentives. Houston had never been in the public conversation. 

Jan 5, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown (left) talks during a press conference to introduce Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Target Acquired

You would think the Dodgers would have been one of the favorites to sign Tatsuya Imai, given the Japanese talent they already have, but that was never really the case. Imai has been up front about his thoughts on the Dodgers and has publicly said he would rather beat them than join them. 

“Of course, I’d enjoy playing alongside Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Sasaki, but winning against a team like that and becoming a world champion would be the most valuable thing in my life. If anything, I’d rather take them down,” Imai said on the Hodo Station with Daisuke Matsuzaka, a former MLB pitcher. 

Beating a team full of global superstars and the back-to-back World Series champions would be an incredible achievement, and that is exactly what Imai is targeting. A team in the National League West, like the San Diego Padres, could have been a closer choice, but the Astros just might end up being a perfect fit for this quest. 

Astros-Dodgers History

Given the long history and rivalry between the two clubs, it’s only fitting that Imai joins the Astros to become their Japanese pitcher looking to take down his fellow countrymen. Both fan bases basically hate each other, and the teams are not fond of one another. 

It all started back in the 2017 World Series, which the Astros won in seven games to win their first title. With the sign-stealing scandal that came out after the 2019 season, the Dodgers and many fans believe the Astros stole the 2017 title from them. 

The games that ensued between the two teams have been quite heated with multiple bench-clearing incidents. Houston then won the 2022 World Series, and it seemed like an Astros dynasty was in the making. However, the Dodgers are clearly on top in the baseball world, with the Dodgers winning it all in 2024 and 2025. The Astros, like every team, are looking to respond. 

While the Astros and Dodgers do not face each other a lot, their matchups draw massive attention, and it’s always a big deal every time they play. Since 2017, the Astros have led the head-to-head series 11-9. 

Houston has recently dominated against the Dodgers with a remarkable 6-1 record going back to the last game in 2023. The Astros completely routed Los Angeles in a three-game road sweep last season that also included an 18-1 blowout. Houston also has an 8-5 mark at Dodger Stadium since Game 7 of the World Series. 

How the Astros are Equipped to Beat the Dodgers

Besides their recent success against LA, Houston’s roster construction gives them a real chance to beat a team like the Dodgers. The Astros feature a deep starting rotation, a strong back end of the bullpen, with an offense that can bat 1-9. 

When the Toronto Blue Jays came incredibly close to beating the Dodgers in the past World Series, they had a powerful offense 1-9, but the Astros have more pitching depth at the moment. Imai is obviously a huge part of that now. Astros fans love the fact that he wants to beat the Dodgers. 

Houston Loves Tatsuya Imai

Imai has quickly become a fan favorite in Houston in a matter of days. This past Sunday, the three-time NPB All-Star was spotted at the Houston Texans’ final regular season game vs the Colts at NRG Stadium in Houston. Imai was in his suite and was recognized with a roar of applause on the big screen. He even threw the “H’s Up” sign with his hands, a signature move in the city, especially at Texans games. 

At his introductory press conference the next day, Imai introduced himself in English, and his first words were “What’s up H-Town!”

That very evening, Imai sat courtside with his wife at the Houston Rockets game as the team introduced him. It just so happened that Kevin Durant hit the game-winning shot almost right in front of him, and Imai was there cheering along. Even the Texans won their game. 

It’s safe to say that Imai is quickly and lovingly adapting to Houston’s culture, and it suits him well. 

 

Main Photo Credit: © Troy Taormina-Imagn Images