The Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly making an aggressive push to bolster their starting rotation, offering a massive contract to one of Nippon Professional Baseball’s top arms in hopes of creating a dominant one-two pitching combination alongside Zack Wheeler.
With championship expectations firmly in place, the Phillies appear focused on strengthening their pitching staff amid growing uncertainty in the rotation. Wheeler is coming off an injury, Ranger Suárez is expected to test free agency, and Jesús Luzardo is entering the final year of his deal. Those factors have prompted Philadelphia’s front office to explore high-impact additions, and NPB standout Tatsuya Imai has emerged as a prime target.
League sources suggest the Phillies are prepared to offer a deal in the range of six years and $157 million to secure Imai’s services. The investment would signal a strong commitment to maintaining elite pitching depth as the team continues to compete with National League powerhouses such as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves.
Imai has been one of the most consistent and effective pitchers in Japan over the past decade. Across eight seasons in the NPB, he has compiled a 58–45 record with a 3.15 ERA, 907 strikeouts, and a 1.267 WHIP over 963 innings. Known for his durability, command, and ability to miss bats, Imai is widely viewed as a pitcher capable of transitioning smoothly to Major League Baseball.
If signed, Imai would immediately slot near the top of the Phillies’ rotation, forming a formidable one-two punch with Wheeler and giving the club another frontline starter to pair with emerging left-hander Christopher Sánchez. Such a trio would provide Philadelphia with one of the deeper rotations in the league heading into the new season.
Financially, the move appears feasible. With Suárez likely departing and payroll flexibility opening up, the Phillies are well positioned to absorb a deal of this size without sacrificing other areas of the roster.
Time may be a critical factor, however, as Imai is reportedly required to return to Japan within days if an agreement is not finalized. If Philadelphia can act quickly, the move could reshape the rotation and further solidify the Phillies as a legitimate World Series contender.