Tatsuya Imai to exercise player option, return to Astros for 2027 season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 29, 2026, 9:05 PM
Last updated Oct 29, 2026
Tatsuya Imai will exercise his $18 million player option to stay with the Houston Astros for the 2027 season following a challenging first year in Major League Baseball. The 28-year-old right-handed pitcher posted a 4.93 ERA over 23 appearances this season, including 15 starts. Imai showed promise but struggled with command, walking six batters per nine innings. He was diagnosed with arm fatigue earlier in the season and had limited appearances in the latter months, missing the Astros' wild-card series. Imai’s commitment to return suggests optimism for improvement next season.
- •Imai was 4.93 ERA in 2026, with 23 appearances and 15 starts.
- •He threw six hitless innings in a no-hitter against the Texas Rangers.
- •Imai experienced difficulties adapting to MLB's travel and climate.
- •He made only eight appearances in the season's final two months.
- •Imai missed the Astros' wild-card losses to the Chicago White Sox.
- 9:05 PMYahoo Sports — Tatsuya Imai reportedly will exercise player option, return to Astros after rocky first season in MLB
"The right-handed Japanese pitcher compiled a 4.93 ERA across 23 appearances and 15 starts this season with Houston.
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