Giants Eye Japanese Star: Imai's Electric Stuff?

Tatsuya Imai, a 27-year-old Japanese pitcher, is generating significant interest as a free agent, with the San Francisco Giants being a prominent suitor. Known for his electric stuff, including a fastball that can reach 97.5 mph and a mix of effective pitches, Imai has a proven track record of getting outs in Japan. His compact delivery and competitive fire make him an appealing prospect for teams seeking to bolster their pitching rotations.

While Imai's shorter stature raises some concerns about durability and maintaining velocity over a long MLB career, he has shown remarkable progress. Over the last three years, he has consistently improved as a strike-thrower and innings-eater, even while pitching over 160 innings for two consecutive seasons. His command has also progressively improved, mitigating some initial worries about his control.

Imai is seen as a potential mid-rotation starter with a higher ceiling, fitting the Giants' need for a pitcher who can provide immediate innings and outs while offering room for growth. His appeal extends to his potential as a box-office draw for fans. However, his contract demands might be substantial, potentially making him the Giants' biggest acquisition of the offseason and possibly their only significant one.