Tatsuya Imai Signing Ignites Next Chapter in Astros-Dodgers Rivalry: Houston Lands a Pitcher Who Wants to “Take Down” the Champs

On New Year’s Day 2026, the Houston Astros made headlines by agreeing to a three-year, $54 million contract (with incentives up to $63 million and opt-outs after each of the first two seasons) with Japanese ace Tatsuya Imai, the top NPB starter posted this offseason. While the deal bolsters a rotation needing depth amid Framber Valdez’s impending free agency, the real fireworks come from Imai’s pre-signing comments: he explicitly stated a desire to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers rather than join their stacked roster of Japanese stars like Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Roki Sasaki.

In a November 2025 interview with Daisuke Matsuzaka on Japanese TV, Imai said: “Of course, I’d enjoy playing alongside Ohtani, Yamamoto, and Sasaki, but winning against a team like that and becoming a world champion would be the most valuable thing in my life. If anything, I’d rather take them down.” He later doubled down, telling media: “Isn’t that what every player except those on the Dodgers thinks? To me that’s only natural.”

By choosing Houston—a franchise with lingering bad blood toward the Dodgers—the 27-year-old right-hander has perfectly aligned himself with a fanbase that still harbors resentment from the 2017 sign-stealing scandal. The Astros found a pitcher who hates the Dodgers as much as they do.

The Signing Details: A Calculated Gamble for Houston

Imai’s deal, reported by Jeff Passan and Jon Heyman, includes a $2 million signing bonus, $16 million in 2026, and $18 million each in 2027-28, with up to $3 million annual incentives based on innings pitched. Opt-outs give Imai flexibility to re-enter free agency if he dominates, while Houston minimizes long-term risk on an NPB transition.

Coming off a dominant 2025 in Japan (1.92 ERA, 178 strikeouts in 163⅔ innings, 27.8% K rate), Imai brings mid-90s heat (touching 99 mph), a sharp slider, splitter, cutter, and improved command. Scouts compare him to Luis Castillo or even Yamamoto, with a deceptive low-slot delivery.

For the Astros, who missed the playoffs in 2025, Imai slots behind Hunter Brown as a high-upside No. 2, joining Cristian Javier, Lance McCullers Jr. (if healthy), and Spencer Arrighetti. GM Dana Brown prioritized pitching; this move signals deeper pursuit of Japanese talent.

Imai’s Anti-Dodgers Stance: Fuel on the Fire

Imai rejected the “easy path” of joining the Dodgers’ Japanese contingent, opting for a tougher challenge. “If there were another Japanese player on the same team, I could just ask them about anything,” he said, emphasizing independence. But his motivation ran deeper: proving himself by defeating the back-to-back champions.

Dodgers fans reacted with mix of amusement and salt—some memes, others noting the irony if L.A. had swooped in late. Max Muncy downplayed it: “They want to take us down… That’s what makes it fun to play for the Dodgers.”

For Astros fans, it’s pure gold: a generational talent voicing what many feel about L.A.’s dominance.

The Astros-Dodgers Rivalry: From 2017 Scandal to Modern Animosity

The bad blood traces primarily to the 2017 World Series, where Houston defeated L.A. in seven games—later tainted by the Astros’ sign-stealing scheme. Dodgers players like Cody Bellinger and Justin Turner remain vocal; fans demand an asterisk. Houston’s immunity for players fueled resentment.

Earlier roots: As NL West foes until 1993 (then Houston to Central, AL in 2013), intense 1980s battles included a 1980 tiebreaker and 1981 NLDS (Dodgers won en route to title).

Recent clashes: Tense regular-season series, trash talk. Dodgers’ dynasty (2024-25 titles) contrasts Astros’ rebuild post-2022 championship.

Imai’s arrival adds personal edge—potential interleague matchups or postseason rematches promise drama.

Implications for 2026 and Beyond

Houston’s rotation gains legitimacy; if Imai adapts (many NPB arms do), Astros contend sooner. Dodgers, loaded with Yamamoto, Snell, Glasnow, Ohtani (pitching return?), chase three-peat unbothered—but facing motivated foes like Imai spices it.

Fan reactions: Astros celebrate “Dodgers hater”; L.A. shrugs, but underlying tension simmers.

Tatsuya Imai’s signing isn’t just rotation help—it’s rivalry rocket fuel. Houston landed an ace who shares their grudge. The next Astros-Dodgers clash? Must-watch.