Astros’ Tatsuya Imai Has No Plans of Pitching for Team Japan in 2026 WBC

On Monday, the Houston Astros officially introduced Tatsuya Imai. During his introductory press conference, the pitcher expressed that he has no plans of pitching for Team Japan during the 2026 WBC and would rather get used to things in Houston for his first major league season.

The 27-year-old was one of the top names in the free agency this season. After being posted to the MLB on November 19, his signing came down to the final few days of his 45-day negotiation period.

Despite reports of interest from the New York Yankees and the New York Mets, there was no concrete offers for him. In the end, Imai ended up joining the Astros. The Japanese international penned down a 3-year, $54 million deal which could go up to $63 million if incentives are met.

Astros, RHP Tatsuya Imai reportedly agree to deal, per multiple reports including @MLBNetwork insider @JonHeyman. pic.twitter.com/kKU2iOI1SD

— MLB (@MLB) January 1, 2026

Following his signing, reports emerged that the Yankees or the Mets were not seriously involved in talks with him. As per Mark Feinsand, the Mets were not sold on him as an impact starter.

On Monday, the Astros officially introduced him and welcomed him to the league. During this, the pitcher was asked about his participation in the upcoming WBC with Japan. He expressed that he does not have any plans to participate in the international tournament.

As of right now, no plans to participate.

Tatsuya Imai said as per his translator

Tatsuya Imai told reporters that he does not plan on pitching in this year's World Baseball Classic and wants to prioritize getting used to things in his first year in Houston pic.twitter.com/FJ1dPTb8S3

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) January 5, 2026

This decision from Imai has generated a buzz among Astros fans. The pitcher has chosen to focus on getting to learn more about his new team and get prepared for his debut season instead of representing his country and taking a heavy workload.

Speaking of the WBC, Team Japan are the defending champions, having won the title in 2023. In the final, the Asian team edged out the United States, 3-2.

The final out saw then-Los Angeles Angels teammates and team captains Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani go against each other. Trout would go down swinging against Ohtani, giving Japan their 3rd WBC title.

Japan have been grouped with Chinese Taipei, South Korea, Australia and Czechia in Pool C. They will kick-start their campaign by taking on Chinese Taipei at the Tokyo Dome on March 6.

Tatsuya Imai aiming for World Series title with Astros

During his introductory press conference, Tatsuya Imai made his intentions clear. The pitcher is aiming for the World Series title with the Houston Astros and wants to bring the championship back to H-town.

The Astros have been one of the top performers in MLB in the past decade. After back-to-back trips to the Fall Classic in 2021 and 2022, the team has suffered some setback.

Last season, the team did not even make it to the playoffs. It marked the first time in 9 seasons that the AL West side would not compete in MLB postseason.

Apart from this, the pitcher previously expressed that he would rather take down the Los Angeles Dodgers instead of joining them. With the Dodgers winning back-to-back titles in 2024 and 2025, the pitcher wants to win the title with the Astros.

I’m just very excited to go after and chase a World Championship here and perform for a great organization like the Astros.

Tatsuya Imai said in the press conference

Let’s get after it, #45. pic.twitter.com/aVZMtlRBCS

— Houston Astros (@astros) January 5, 2026

His comments have further added spice to the rivalry between the Dodgers and the Astros. The two sides met in the 2017 World Series, which saw the Astros emerge as 4-3 winners after Game 7. Things got heated when the Houston-based side was found to be stealing signs during this run.

Tatsuya Imai reveals why he chose No.45 for his jersey

Tatsuya Imai will be donning the No.45 on his back when he takes to the mound for the Houston Astros. In the press conference, he would reveal his reason for choosing this number.

While playing for the Seibu Lions, Imai would wear the No.48 jersey. At Astros, that number is currently occupied by Steven Okert.

The pitcher explained that he would look up to former Astros star Gerrit Cole and Zack Wheeler for inspiration. Due to this, he picked up the No.45 that is donned by both the pitchers for their current teams, the New York Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies, respectively.

I wore 48 in Japan, but that number was taken, so when I started to think about other potential numbers, Gerrit Cole and Zack Wheeler are both pitchers that I look up to and they happen to be 45 and I look up to them.

Tatsuya Imai said

Imai picked No. 45 because Gerrit Cole and Zack Wheeler, two pitchers that he looks up to, wore No. 45. Imai wore 48 in Japan.

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) January 5, 2026

In the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) last season, Imai pitched with a 1.92 ERA and went 10-5 in 24 games. He picked up 178 strikeouts in 163.2 innings. The Astros would be hoping for him to replicate these kinds of numbers in his debut season.

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