Sudden rival emerges as threat to swipe Tatsuya Imai from Cubs at worst possible time

When the Chicago White Sox signed Munetaka Murakami, it was a sign that they were looking to accomplish what the Chicago Cubs have done in creating a pipeline between their organization and talent coming over from Japan. The White Sox may not have to wait for that to pay off, as they have emerged as a suitor for free-agent starting pitcher Tatsuya Imai.

A report out of Japan confirms that the White Sox are a surprise suitor for Imai. Considering how Murakami's market developed, the South Siders appearing out of nowhere only to be the team that signed him, it certainly is curious timing.

White Sox emerging as a Tatsuya Imai suitor is a scary thought for the Chicago Cubs

Given that Imai's agent is Scott Boras, there certainly is a chance that he is using the White Sox as a negotiating tactic against the Cubs. Imai's posting window closes on Friday, and if a team like the Cubs is hesitant to meet the asking price, floating the White Sox as a potential suitor could be one of Boras' last acts before getting his client to sign on the dotted line.

It's also possible that the White Sox recognize a similar opportunity like the one that was in front of them with Murakami. Imai's market isn't believed to be as strong as it was projected to be at the start of the offseason, and the Sox could be looking to swoop in with a short-term deal that allows the 27-year-old starting pitcher to prove himself before seeking another payday.

If that were the case, one would think that the Cubs would be willing to offer a higher AAV to Imai than the White Sox.

Resolution is near for Imai, and there is a strong chance it arrives before Friday. When the White Sox signed Murakami, it was two days before his posting window closed. When the Cubs signed Shota Imanaga, it was three days before his posting window closed.

Considering the procedural items that have to be checked off before a deal is made official, all things that need to be done before Friday evening, it stands to reason that Imai's decision will be revealed in the next 24-48 hours.