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On YouTubeHouston Astros News / MLB on ClutchPoints / January 3
Kona Takahashi — who Astros reportedly had interest in — will return to Japan in 2026
Japanese right-handed pitcher Kona Takahashi had strongly considered moving on to Major League Baseball after pitching with the Saitama Seibu Lions of Nippon Professional Baseball.
Houston Astros News / Houston Astros on SI / January 3
Breaking Down Potential Opening Day Lineup for Houston Astros in 2026
It might seem too early to start looking at potential starting lineups for when opening day rolls around, but ultimately, it is crucial to see where a ball club stands throughout the offseason.
Houston Astros News / CBSSports.com / January 3
MLB free agent tracker: Astros kick off 2026 with NPB's Tatsuya Imai, Blue Jays grab fellow Japanese star
Here are the latest signings from baseball's hot stove
The 'Active MLB home run leaders' quiz
How many of the most prolific power hitters in baseball today can you name in 5 minutes?
Yusei Kikuchi News / Houston Astros on SI / January 3
How Yusei Kikuchi Paved Astros’ Path to Tatsuya Imai
Since 2017, something clearly has changed for the better when a pitcher takes their talents to Houston, Texas. Over the last several seasons, the Houston Astros have made it possible for their starting pitchers to reach their true potential.
The 25 most memorable sports plays of 2025
When it comes to unforgettable plays within the 2025 sports calendar, this was truly a special year. Here's our rankings of the 25 best.
Ryan Forcucci News / Houston Astros on SI / January 3
Astros Pitching Prospect Named Player to Watch for 2026 Breakout
The Houston Astros have been adding to their major league rotation this offseason with the additions of international star Tatsuya Imai and Mike Burrows, acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a trade.
Houston Astros News / MLB Trade Rumors / January 2
Will The Imai Signing Spur An Astros Trade?
The Astros finalized their three-year, $54MM deal with Tatsuya Imai this afternoon. It came as a surprise that the Japanese righty ended up in Houston — not because the Astros didn’t need a starter, but due to what appeared to be a tight budget.
Houston Astros News / Larry Brown Sports / January 2
MLB teams have doubts about Tatsuya Imai
Tatsuya Imai was a big free agent pitcher on the market who ended up signing this week. Though the Houston Astros decided to give it a go with the Japanese pitcher, apparently other teams had some concerns.
Houston Astros News / MLB Trade Rumors / January 2
Astros Designate Kaleb Ort For Assignment
The Astros announced they’ve designated reliever Kaleb Ort for assignment. That opened the 40-man roster spot to finalize their three-year free agent deal with Tatsuya Imai.
Houston Astros News / Houston Astros on SI / January 2
Astros' Opening Day Lineup Prediction Has Several Familiar Names
As we turn the page to 2026, Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown didn't waste time in the New Year to make an eye-opening addition to his roster.
The 25 greatest pitching seasons from the modern MLB era
America's favorite pastime has more memorable performances than any sport. As such, figuring out which pitchers had the best seasons ever is no easy task.
Houston Astros News / The Forkball / January 2
Astros Sign Japanese Star Tatsuya Imai to Three-Year Deal
The Houston Astros made one of the offseason’s most significant international moves by reaching an agreement with Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai on a three-year free-agent contract.
Houston Astros News / Houston Astros on SI / January 1
Inside Tatsuya Imai's Astros Deal and What It Means for Starting Rotation
The Astros signed Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai just before his Friday deadline, but the contract structure reveals strategic thinking beyond the $63 million maximum value.
Houston Astros News / Just Baseball / January 1
Tatsuya Imai To Sign With Houston Astros
With just over 24 hours to go before the end of his posting window, NPB star Tatsuya Imai agreed to a contract with the Houston Astros. The deal guarantees Imai $54 million over three years, and he can earn an additional $3 million in each season that he reaches 100 innings pitched.
Houston Astros News / Houston Astros on SI / January 1
Three Key Storylines That Shaped the Houston Astros’ 2025 Season
The year of 2025 has sunsetted and MLB fans everywhere are looking forward to a fresh start with the change of the calendar. The Houston Astros will look back on the past season as one of the most unusual in recent franchise history.
Houston Astros News / Larry Brown Sports / January 1
Interesting contract details emerge after Astros win the Tatsuya Imai race
Tatsuya Imai is officially headed to the 713.
Houston Astros News / MLB on ClutchPoints / January 1
The other teams ‘seriously involved’ in Tatsuya Imai talks before Astros signing
Tatsuya Imai emerged as one of the defining figures of the MLB free agency cycle entering the new year, agreeing to terms with the Houston Astros and bringing clarity to a competitive international bidding process.
Houston Astros News / Total Apex Sports / January 1
Japanese Ace Tatsuya Imai Signs $63 Million Deal With Houston Astros
The Houston Astros and Japanese Ace Tatsuya Imai are reportedly in agreement on a three-year deal that maxes out at $63 million, per Chandler Rome. The contract has opt-outs after every season, giving Tatsuya Imai the option to re-enter the open market at any time after he shows teams what he can do against top Major League talent.
Houston Astros News / Last Word On Sports / January 1
Astros Land Japanese Starter Tatsuya Imai
Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai and the Houston Astros have reached an agreement on a three-year, $63 million contract. The deal, which includes player opt-outs after each season, carries an average annual value of $21 million — the second-highest AAV for a Japanese starter in MLB history, trailing only Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Houston Astros News / Field Level Media / January 1
Report: Astros reach deal with RHP Tatsuya Imai
The Houston Astros and star Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai are in agreement on a free agent contract, ESPN reported Thursday. It's a three-year deal with opt-outs that includes $54 million in guarantees and could be worth up to $63 million, per the report.
Houston Astros News / New Baseball Media / January 2
Astros to Sign Tatsuya Imai: What to Make of Move
Tatsuya Imai found a home before his posting window ended on January 2. Imai will reportedly join the Astros on a three-year deal, a move that’ll give Houston a groundball-heavy pitcher to replace the one lost to the free agent market.
Houston Astros News / Yardbarker / January 1
Astros start the new year off right by adding Tatsuya Imai
The Astros kicked off 2026 with a bang by adding Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai.
Houston Astros News / MLB on ClutchPoints / January 1
Tatsuya Imai signing with Astros
Tatusya Imai’s free agency process was shrouded in a bit of mystery, with numerous teams being the front runners. But in the end, Imai is heading to the AL West to begin his MLB career.
Houston Astros News / MLB on ClutchPoints / January 1
Looking back at Astros’ biggest surprise of 2025
The Houston Astros’ 2025 season was marked by two powerfully contrasting narratives. On the one hand, the team endured its first playoff drought since 2016 after finishing second with an 87-75 record in the American League West, thus ending the franchise’s streak of eight consecutive postseason appearances.
Yainer Diaz News / Last Word On Sports / December 31
Yainer Diaz’s Next Step: What the Astros Need From Him in 2026
The Houston Astros offense struggled for long stretches last season, and injuries played a major role. However, multiple position players failed to produce consistently when it was needed.
Brice Matthews News / Last Word On Sports / December 31
The Astros Plan for Brice Matthews in 2026
The Houston Astros already have a surplus of infielders, and it will be interesting to see how the team decides on the starting infield lineup for 2026.
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