Who is Tatsuya Imai and why is Anthony Kay talking about him?

Tatsuya Imai is a Japanese baseball prospect formerly with the Saitama Seibu Lions, praised by ex-Blue Jay Anthony Kay for his pitching skills.

What makes Tatsuya Imai's pitching style unique?

Imai throws a fastball between 93-96 mph and a distinctive 'backwards' slider that hitters find difficult to control.

When does Tatsuya Imai have to decide on an MLB team?

Tatsuya Imai has a negotiation deadline of January 2nd to sign with an MLB team before returning to Japan.

Home / Sports / Kay Raves About Imai's 'Backwards' Slider

Kay Raves About Imai's 'Backwards' Slider

1 Jan

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Summary

Anthony Kay praised pitcher Tatsuya Imai's impressive performance.
Imai's fastball ranges 93-96 mph with a fearsome slider.
Imai has a January 2nd deadline to sign with an MLB team.

Kay Raves About Imai's 'Backwards' Slider

Former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Anthony Kay recently lauded Japanese baseball prospect Tatsuya Imai on the "Baseball Isn't Boring" podcast. Kay described Imai as a formidable right-handed pitcher who consistently throws between 93-96 mph and possesses a unique, fear-inducing "backwards" slider. Imai, a three-time All-Star in Nippon Professional Baseball, previously pitched for the Saitama Seibu Lions, where he recorded a 1.92 ERA over 163 ⅔ innings last season.

Scott Boras, Imai's agent, confirmed significant interest from multiple MLB teams, with negotiations actively progressing. Offers have reportedly extended from the New York Yankees to the San Diego Padres, positioning Imai as a top prospect in the current trade market. He faces a crucial negotiation deadline on January 2nd; failure to sign with an MLB team by this date will result in his return to his Japanese club.

Imai has explicitly stated his intention not to join the Los Angeles Dodgers, citing their already robust pitching staff. He expressed a desire to make the "best choice" considering his family. As of January 1, 2026, Imai's future in Major League Baseball remains undecided, with teams actively vying for his talent before the upcoming deadline.