The recent news regarding the Seibu Lions beginning the process of posting their star pitcher, Tatsuya Imai, has been well-received by MLB clubs, and for good reason. Imai is coming off his best season in Japan’s NPB, owning a 10-5 record with a 1.92 ERA and 178 strikeouts in 163.2 innings pitched. Keep in mind, NPB is a baseball league where strikeouts are more scarce.
Imai’s latest success follows two prior seasons where he posted ERAs of 2.34 and 2.45, a track record that is garnering plenty of attention from scouts and general managers alike. His arsenal boasts a fastball that averages around 95 mph, followed by a splitter, changeup and a pitch described as a “wrong way” slider.
One suitor that reportedly could join the chase is the New York Yankees. There are four reasons why a Yankees-Imai deal would make sense: their pitching suffered in the postseason, they will be going into Opening Day with three starters on the IL (Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon and Clarke Schmidt), they want redemption after passing on Yoshinobu Yamamoto and they seek to become a destination for Japanese talent, attempting to replicate the success of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Landing Imai would do much to bring stability to the Yankees’ questionable pitching staff. And though they probably wouldn’t regret signing him, there may be a better opportunity next offseason.
Hanshin Tigers ace Hiroto Saiki requested to be posted this year but was reportedly denied. Instead, he will likely be a part of the next free-agent class. Slightly younger than Imai (both are 28), the Tigers’ ace has posted three consecutive seasons of ERAs under 2.00 — 1.62 in 2023, 1.83 in 2024 and 1.56 in 2025 — almost mirroring the success Yamamoto experienced before posting. He also pitched five scoreless innings against the Dodgers, surrendering one hit and one walk while collecting seven strikeouts during a start in one of last season’s exhibition games in Tokyo.
Saiki doesn’t accrue as many strikeouts as Imai, but he has historically posted lower walk rates. To Imai’s credit, his numbers improved greatly last season, even matching Saiki’s walk rate; however, the lowest ERA of his career never reached the highest number Saiki posted in the past four years.
A lower ERA doesn’t necessarily make Saiki the better pitcher. Still, this can’t negate the fact that his results have been far better. Given the comparison between the two starters, what would be the right move for the Yankees: jump at the chance to ink Imai or wait for Saiki?
Assuming they can’t have both, neither option is inherently bad, providing they are able to land just one of them, which isn’t a guarantee. Given this uncertainty, there is no wrong answer. Any help the Yankees pitching staff receives will be warmly welcomed.
“Buffalo’s offense is sputtering, and some fans are wondering if Brian Daboll could be the cure for what ails them.”
The Buffalo Bills (6-3) have been struggling offensively, with their most recent lackluster performance coming in a 30-13 defeat to the Miami Dolphins. Despite facing one of the league’s worst defenses, Buffalo’s receivers failed to create any separation, and the offense was unable to get anything going through the first three quarters. It’s clear that the Bills’ offensive issues are becoming a growing concern.
However, today’s Buffalo Rumblings report quashed any hopes for those Bills fans calling for a change at offensive coordinator. Head coach Sean McDermott confirmed that Joe Brady would remain the team’s offensive coordinator through the end of the 2025 NFL season. Despite speculation that former offensive coordinator Brian Daboll could be brought back to help turn things around, McDermott swiftly dismissed the idea.
McDermott Shoots Down Daboll Return
When Daboll was fired as head coach of the New York Giants, rumors swirled about the possibility of a reunion with quarterback Josh Allen in Buffalo. McDermott wasted no time in shutting down those rumors, stating that he has confidence in Joe Brady and has no intention of bringing Daboll back to Buffalo.
“At this time, that is not something we are considering,” McDermott said when asked about the possibility of Daboll returning to Western New York.
The question remains: could Daboll have been the solution to Buffalo’s offensive struggles, or is the real issue something deeper? The Bills started the season strong but have since been cold, particularly in their loss to the Dolphins.
Dalton Kincaid’s Injury Puts More Pressure on Offense
Adding to Buffalo’s woes, tight end Dalton Kincaid, who has been one of Josh Allen’s most reliable targets this season, has been officially labeled “week-to-week” after suffering a hamstring injury in the Dolphins’ loss. Kincaid had been a standout, recording 29 catches for 448 yards and four touchdowns—leading the team in both receiving yards and touchdowns this year. His absence could further strain the already struggling offense.
As the Bills continue to deal with a variety of injuries, including to key players like Kincaid, the offense will need to find a way to regain its early-season form. While McDermott has expressed confidence in his current coaching staff, fans are left to wonder if a change in offensive philosophy or leadership might be what’s needed to reignite Buffalo’s high-powered attack.
More Updates on Bills’ Injuries and Roster Moves
As the Bills face a series of injuries, including to key offensive players, the team is also adding new faces to the practice squad. Stay tuned for updates as Buffalo looks to address its depth and find solutions to its current offensive struggles.