Could the SF Giants sneak back into star NPB pitcher's market?

Could the SF Giants sneak back into Tatsuya Imai's market after the latest news suggests that the New York Yankees might not be suitors. Jack Curry of the YES Network believes that there is no interest between the Yankees and Imai at the moment.

Could the SF Giants sneak back into star NPB pitcher's market?

Imai's status should be nearing a resolution soon enough. He was posted by the Saitama Seibu Lions of the NPB in the middle of November. His 45-day posting window runs through January 2, 2026.

Interestingly, Imai's market has not been nearly as robust as his agent, Scott Boras, would have hoped. When the offseason began, MLB Trade Rumors predicted that he would land a six-year, $150 million deal. In that poll, the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, and Chicago Cubs were listed as suitors.

Before we proceed, it bears mentioning that the folks at MLB Trade Rumors do a tremendous job of centralizing all the baseball news. Many of these predictions are informed opinions, but I think most outlets struggle with predicting a potential contract could look like for a player coming stateside. There are a lot of factors at play, but notably, the lack of experience against major league competition is tough to evaluate. Teams are in an uncomfortable position where they need to project more than they typically do.

There have been few rumors connecting Imai to the Dodgers. Of course, the lack of activity might create an opening for the longtime rival to add Imai in an opportunistic move. That would not be surprising.

The Mets have made a few moves, but they have not operated much like a big market club this offseason. The same is true for the Chicago Cubs and the Giants.

Few teams seem to want to splurge in free agency. The potential lockout and the uncertainty that comes with that might be one of the reasons for the slow pace of free agency.

Now, the Yankees are seemingly out on Imai's market. Patrick Mooney of The Athletic (subscription required) highlighted a salient point recently that interested teams are struggling to value the right-handed hurler. Some teams view him as more of a mid-rotation arm than an ace. Other teams see him as a back-of-the-rotation arm. The market and evaluation are moving in different directions.

The Giants have scouted Imai in the past, and there is a need in the rotation. They were viewed as an early suitor, but seemingly stepped back once his price went beyond their comfort zone. That seems to be happening with a lot of interested suitors, which is why a deal has not been completed yet. The Giants could sneak back into these discussions, if the asking price becomes more in line with their evaluation.

It only takes one team to create a market. That market just has not moved much for Imai yet. That should change within the next 10 days. His posting window is set to expire, and there might be just enough time for a team like the Giants to jump back into the market.