The Toronto Blue Jays have focused on upgrading their pitching this MLB offseason. While pitching wasn’t a weakness, they had to make up for the expected departures of Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt. Toronto accomplished that by bringing on board Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce to fortify the rotation. However, the Blue Jays were also linked to or expected to sign several other starters, including Tatsuya Imai and Framber Valdez.
There was some speculation that the Blue Jays could turn to the trade market to strengthen their bullpen. They added Tyler Rogers as a free agent, but is that addition enough? They also traded for Chase Lee and signed Jorge Alcala with the intention of a Spring Training tryout. Toronto has also added depth in the form of prospects Elian Guzman and Celwin Hurkmans, but neither arm is ready for the big leagues.
However, a new report has surfaced that Imai could still be available. Even with a clogged rotation, the Blue Jays should be greatly interested.
Tatsuya Imai: ‘Having interest from a team and a formal offer are completely different things.’
In a recent interview, Imai shared details about what the process of trying to get an MLB deal has been like.
“It seems that there aren’t really many specific candidates coming up unexpectedly, and having interest from a team and a formal offer are apparently completely different things,” Imai said via a translated post on X. “So in that situation, I’m thinking of trying to make the best choice, with family to consider as well, and make a good decision.”
At this point, it still seems like teams are expressing interest but not submitting offers. Not having a formal offer certainly raises concerns that Imai could see his 45-day window lapse, forcing a return to NBP.
Imai also spoke to Hochi.news regarding where things are at. He reveals that he is in North America, navigating his options.
“I am currently in Los Angeles with my agent,” Imai said via the December 28th story. “And negotiating the numerous offers that have been presented to me. I am meeting with several teams.”
Blue Jays Circling Back on Imai?
In November, Blue Jays manager Ross Atkins spoke highly of Imai.
“A good player with a really interesting arsenal that had an incredible year,” Atkins said via Sportsnet. “So we’ve done the work, and we have some more work to do on that front, but I’m glad that he’s going to be an option for the industry.”
Imai finished the 2025 season with a 10-5 record in 24 starts. Additionally, he pitched five complete games, including three shutouts. He recorded a 1.92 ERA and 178 strikeouts in 163 2/3 innings.
What to Do With the Starting Rotation Logjam?
Even before considering a potential addition of Imai, the Blue Jays have a loaded rotation. Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, Shane Bieber, Jose Berrios, Ponce, and Cease are all tabbed to be starters. That gives Toronto six arms with five probable positions.
However, there are a few options the Blue Jays could consider. For starters, Berrios has been the subject of trade speculation. To that end, there is one or two deals involving Berrios that could make sense.
If Berrios is traded, that leaves Toronto with five arms. That number rises to six if they sign Imai.
Yet, there is concern regarding Bieber’s injury status. If he is still recovering by the time that opening day rolls around, that opens up a spot for Imai.
Another solution would be moving someone to the bullpen. Obviously, this happened in the postseason, with Eric Lauer and Bassitt helping the Blue Jays out by becoming dependable relievers.
The final solution, should Toronto sign Imai, would be sending Yesavage to the minors. That would give the Blue Jays Gausman, Bieber, Ponce, Cease, and Imai as their rotation.
Imai was posted for MLB teams on November 19th. His 45-day window will close this Friday, on January 2nd, 2026. If he doesn’t agree to terms with a team, he will return to play in Japan.
There is still time for the Blue Jays to swoop in and add a potential difference-maker to their rotation.
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