Cubs, Yankees, and Phillies all lurking as Tatsuya Imai price finally surfaces

With the Winter Meetings in the rearview mirror, the market for free-agent Japanese starting pitcher Tatsuya Imai should come into focus. Imai's posting window comes to a close on January 2, and he is arguably the starting pitcher with the highest ceiling remaining on the free-agent market.

The Cubs have yet to make any major moves this offseason--bringing in a trio of relief pitchers this offseason so far--and there's been some belief that they are waiting for a resolution on their pursuit of Imai. In other words, the Cubs may have taken a backseat in the market for Michael King because they have identified Imai as their top target this offseason.

Tatsuya Imai set to meet with teams, reported price would break a significant trend for the Cubs.

The Wall Street Journal's (subscription required) Jared Diamond reports that the Cubs, New York Yankees, and Philadelphia Phillies are expected to make a strong run at Imai in the weeks ahead. Not really news that we didn't already know, and there are likely even more times preparing an effort, but Diamond does speculate that Imai could be in line for a deal worth between $150 million and $160 million.

Outside of contract projections at the start of free agency, it's the first time there's been an actual dollar number associated with Imai's free agency. Given his age, his fastball reaching triple digits, and his ability to miss bats, it would seem likely that Imai's bidding could reach the $150 million threshold. It should also be mentioned that the signing team would also need to pay a posting fee. In total, signing Imai could quickly approach $200 million when all is said and done.

With news that "financial constraints" could be the reason why the Cubs are being outpaced in the sweepstakes for King, it may be because they know Imai will be a costly addition. Given the history of the Cubs' front office, that shouldn't be viewed as the likely explanation, but it's hard to make sense of what the Cubs have done so far this offseason.

Landing a big-ticket item like Imai would certainly provide that clarity. Until then, it feels like we're just waiting for the other shoe to drop.