The New York Mets, from the day the offseason started, have been linked with Tatsuya Imai. We all expected that they would trade away Kodia Senga and bring in Imai. But it looks like David Stearns has a completely different plan and has moved away from Imai.

In a recent post by MetCast, it was reported that, “According to @hgomez27, the New York Mets are about to land Ace Pitcher Framber Valdez to a massive contract averaging about $33 million a season.”

When the Tatsuya Imai rumors began, fans expected him to replace Kodai Senga immediately. Senga struggled in 2025, pitching only 118.2 innings with a 3.00 ERA across three seasons. Mets insiders discussed trading Senga to clear roster space for Imai’s potential arrival. Imai’s posting cost is projected at six years and $157 million, including the Seibu Lions’ fee.

The scenario shifted when reports surfaced linking Framber Valdez to the Mets for six years and $200 million. Valdez posted a 3.66 ERA in 192 innings during the 2025 season with two complete games. He offers rotation stability that Senga could not provide, maintaining consistent innings and postseason experience. His acquisition represents a major upgrade to the  Mets’ starting pitching ahead of 2026.

One potential concern involves Valdez’s behavior. During a Yankees game, Valdez struck catcher César Salazar in the chest after a pitch mix-up. The pitch hit Salazar’s chest protector, though both said it was unintentional and clarified afterward.

If Mets owner Steve Cohen maintains his “spend what it takes to win” approach, both acquisitions are possible.

Adding Valdez and Imai would address rotation weaknesses, improving ERA and innings totals significantly. Imai’s fastball ranges 93–97 mph, with a slider complement, and control improved to 2.5 walks per nine innings last season. This combination could elevate the Mets’ chances while ensuring postseason depth for the 2026 campaign.

With Valdez securing innings and Imai offering strikeout potential, the Mets’ rotation suddenly looks formidable. If Cohen truly spends what it takes, New York might host a pitching carnival next season. Fans can only watch as Kodai Senga waves goodbye and Stearns scripts a rotation blockbuster with style.

If the Mets step out on Tatsuya Imai, the Giants are happy to take that place

If the Mets fumble yet another opportunity to snag the offseason’s top pitching prize, someone’s got to fill the gap. Enter the Giants, watching with the smug patience of a cat ignoring a spilled glass. Tatsuya Imai, Japan’s latest ace, could finally find a home in San Francisco if the Mets keep dancing around their usual indecision.

At 27, Tatsuya Imai has an ERA of 1.92 and 178 strikeouts. He fits the San Francisco Giants perfectly for a multi-year deal and stabilizes the rotation for at least the next few years. Imai connecting with Logan Webb will up the strength and the depth of the rotation. The Giants have been one of those teams that go after international talents, and this might be the best one in recent years.

Landing a player like Imai could give the required push the Giants need to make it to the postseason after falling short in recent years. He provides significant innings that will add more pressure to the batters and reduce the earned runs big time. And he will also take major pressure off the pitching rotation, which could not handle the pressure well and had an ERA of 3.84.

If the Giants land Tatsuya Imai, San Francisco finally fills a glaring rotation void effectively. Imai’s presence could turn Logan Webb and the pitching staff into a quietly dominant duo. Meanwhile, the Mets will be left watching from the sidelines, wondering why they hesitated again.