The Houston Astros signed Tatsuya Imai to a three-year deal, which may influence their trade plans due to payroll and luxury tax considerations. While some key players are unlikely to be traded, others like Christian Walker and Jake Meyers could be potential trade targets to manage payroll and stay below the luxury tax threshold. The team's ownership remains cautious about exceeding the tax line, but past decisions suggest flexibility if the right opportunity arises.
Tatsuya Imai, a Japanese pitcher, has agreed to a $54 million, three-year contract with the Houston Astros, including performance-based escalators and opt-out options, making him one of the highest-paid Japanese pitchers in MLB history.
The Houston Astros have agreed to a three-year, $54 million contract with Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai, a top free agent coming off a strong season in Japan, adding depth to their starting rotation amid some injury concerns among current starters.
