Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai remains unsigned ahead of MLB's January 2 deadline despite interest from several teams.

Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai remains unsigned as MLB's January 2 deadline nears, despite reported interest from teams like the Mets, Yankees, Cubs, and Red Sox. Though no formal offers have been confirmed, Imai, 27, is viewed as a top free agent with a strong 1.92 ERA in 2025, but his market has stalled. The Red Sox, focused on adding offensive firepower like Alex Bregman, have not pursued him despite earlier links. Meanwhile, the Tigers have not entered the Bregman sweepstakes, raising questions about their 2026 plans. MLB players Joe Kelly and Andrew Heaney have announced their retirements.