Houston Astros right-hander Tatsuya Imai has reached a contract decision after an uneven first major league season that included time in the rotation and bullpen.
The former Saitama Seibu Lions pitcher joined the Astros before the 2026 campaign on a three-year, $54 million contract with opt-outs after the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
His debut year ended with a 6-4 record and 4.93 ERA across 23 appearances, including 15 starts.
The agreement gave Imai an opportunity to revisit his future after his first season, with two years and $36 million remaining.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale relayed Imai’s decision Thursday on X, formerly Twitter, crediting an earlier report from the New York Post’s Jon Heyman.
“Zero surprise, but struggling Astros starter Tatsuya Imai will exercise his $18 million player option and return to the Astros, as @JonHeyman said.”
Imai’s return keeps him in Houston for 2027, with another opportunity to opt out after next season.
He struck out 97 batters and issued 51 walks over 76 2/3 innings in 2026, illustrating both his ability to miss bats and his command difficulties.
The right-hander spent time on the injured list with arm fatigue during the first half before shifting to relief work in late July.
Article Continues BelowEight of his 23 appearances came out of the bullpen, and his workload declined down the stretch.
Imai made the Astros’ postseason roster but did not pitch in the American League Wild Card Series.
His contract decision establishes his salary for next season without settling how Houston will use him.
The Astros now retain a pitcher with experience in both roles, while Imai enters another season with a chance to improve on his MLB debut and establish a more consistent pitching role.