While the Houston Astros missed the playoffs last year for the first time since 2016, they still should be a postseason contender in 2026. In an effort to ensure they won't miss the playoffs again, the Astros have signed Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai to a three-year, $54 million contract, according to the New York Post's Jon Heyman. Imai, 27, can earn up to $3 million per year in incentives if he logs 100 innings. He also has an opt-out after every year, according to ESPN's Jesse Rogers.
Per MLB's Mark Feinsand, other teams offered Imai longer contracts with lower annual values.