Japanese right-handed pitcher Tatsuya Imai is expected to exercise his player option and return to the Houston Astros for the 2027 season, according to reports.
Imai, 25, completed his first Major League Baseball campaign with a 4.93 earned run average over 23 appearances, including 15 starts. The 2026 season marked his debut in the majors after signing with the Astros.
The decision to retain Imai comes despite a rocky initial season, during which he struggled with consistency but showed flashes of potential. The Astros will hope that a second year in the league allows him to adjust and improve his performance.
