Cody Bellinger chose his player option to become a free agent, leaving the New York Yankees scrambling for his replacement. While GM Brian Cashman intends to re-sign their star slugger, the situation, though, isn’t as simple. So, the Yankees are also circling other names in free agency. Amid Kyle Tucker rumors, a Japanese star’s name is also making the rounds.

“There is a strong possibility the Yankees sign Tatsuya Imai. They have shown hesitancy in adding position players in free agency over the years, but they do not have that issue with starting pitching,” reported Yankeessource on X.

With Bellinger possibly seeking a more lucrative and lengthier contract, the Yankees need to secure their outfield. However, they’re far from it. In fact, Cashman has another perspective going into the free agent market: their starting rotation.

Entering the 2026 season, Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Clarke Schmidt will all be on the injured list, coming off elbow surgeries. Add in the fact that Gil missed most of the year with a shoulder issue, and the Yankees’ rotation surely needs serious depth.

That’s where the standout Japanese right-hander mid-rotation arm with potential No. 1 upside comes in.

“I’m interested in gravitating to any player anywhere in the world, including Japan, if it’s a fit for us,” Cashman said in the GM meetings.

Reportedly, the Saitama Seibu Lions are posting Imai, for whom he posted a 1.92 ERA in 162 2/3 innings this past season. This includes an impressive strikeout rate (27.8%), a fastball that sits around 95 mph, and a unique reverse slider that got an eye-popping 45.9% whiff rate in Japan. With that, he’s expected to land a deal north of $140 million.

Imai brings a lot to the table. Thus, becoming one of the most sought-after pitchers in this year’s free-agent class. But that’s where the issue comes in.

The Japanese star has already mentioned that he wants to play against players like Juan Soto, adding another layer of challenge for Cashman. Moreover, we’ve already seen how the Yankees’ approach in the Japanese market has gone.

The most recent example is right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The team reportedly offered him $300 million for 10 years. However, he instead signed with the Dodgers for a lower paycheck of $325 million for 12 years.

However, it is worth mentioning that Bellinger declined a $25 million option in favor of a $5 million buyout. Already, he is coming off a strong year in the Bronx, hitting .272/.334/.480. So, losing him would cost the Yankees an everyday outfielder and occasional first baseman. Expectedly, being a five-tool player, he would have many suitors on the open market.

If they do want a Bellinger reunion, though, the Yankees will have to consider their financial reality.

They’re already nearing the highest luxury-tax tier, and committing around $140 million to Imai, plus adding a star outfielder like Tucker, who is expected to cash in a whopping $400 million offer, Tatis Jr., or Bellinger with $165 million expected deal, would push them into severe tax penalties.

That makes it harder for Hal Steinbrenner to justify multiple megadeals, which explains why Cashman may be prioritizing pitching depth over a full-scale push to retain Bellinger.

The Yankees are working to find Bellinger’s replacement

It would be a lie to say that the Yankees are not working on their outfield. It’s no secret that the Yankees are eyeing Kyle Tucker as a possible replacement if Bellinger leaves. But going all-in on Imai could complicate that plan, too.

Tucker is expected to command well over $400 million. But then there’s the real curveball! FanSided’s Christopher Kline suggested that the Yankees could actually emerge as a top trade destination for Fernando Tatis Jr.!!!

Tatis is coming off a season where he hit .268/.368/.446 with 25 homers, 71 RBIs, and 32 steals over 155 games. Add in two Platinum Gloves, and he’s elite, offering a clear defensive upgrade over Bellinger’s single Gold Glove. Moreover, with Tatis, the Yankees would gain a dynamic defender in the outfield. He could even cover shortstop if Anthony Volpe ever goes down.

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However, the hope now is that the Yankees move quickly if they’re serious because another contender could easily jump in and snag Tatis. And Yankees fans know all too well how often that kind of heartbreak has played out in the past.