Imai does not exercise opt out, will stay with Astros in ’27

Houston Astros right-handed pitcher Tatsuya Imai has decided not to exercise his contract opt-out and will remain with the team for the 2027 season. Under his three-year, $54 million contract signed in January, Imai will earn $18 million next year. During his 2026 rookie campaign, he made 23 appearances, posted a 6-4 record with a 4.93 ERA, and was moved to the bullpen for the final two months.

In additional roster moves, a source reported that Houston declined its $5 million club option on pitcher Ryan Weiss, paying him a $500,000 buyout instead. The Astros also face an upcoming deadline to decide on third baseman Isaac Paredes's $13.35 million option for 2027, which could shift to a mutual option depending on American League MVP voting results.