It was revealed on the 4th that Seibu pitcher Tatsuya Imai (27) intends to discuss his future with the team, including the possibility of a move to the majors. He has already signed a contract with a major American agency in case a transfer is realized.

This season, he recorded 10 wins (5 losses) for the third consecutive year, with ERA 1.92. He showed his evolution by throwing multiple pitches in the high 150 km/h range, instead of a relaxed pitching style. Many major league scouts were watching him when he took the mound. He was gaining attention overseas, with the US sports network ESPN naming him as one of the "players expected to challenge MLB this offseason."

He will be able to acquire overseas free agent rights by 2027 at the earliest, and if he wants to play in the US, the team will need to allow him to use the posting system. The team is looking to him to remain their ace next season as well. While the team appears to be cautious about a transfer this offseason, team president Tsuyoshi Okumura (58) said on the same day that he is open to discussions, saying, "It's still early days, but if there's an opportunity, we'll be open to discussing it."

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