*This content was translated by AI.
Ahead of the World Baseball Classic (WBC) in March, "Japan's national right-hander" Tatsuya Imai (28, Houston Astros) expressed his intention to devote himself to his team. He declared that he would not play in the WBC because it was his first season in the Major League.
According to USA Today reporter Bob Nightingale and Japanese media Chunichi Sports, Imai said at a press conference held at Daikin Stadium in Houston, Texas on the 6th (Korea time).
Imai then said, "It's my first season in the Major League, so I'm going to be very busy. Above all, it is also important to protect the safety of my family and create an environment where I can adapt," he said, explaining the reason for the national team test.
Imai, who played for the Seibu Lions until last season, agreed to a contract with Houston on the 2nd through the posting system. The contract period is three years and the guarantee amount is 54 million dollars (about 78.1 billion won). The amount can be increased up to 63 million dollars (about 91 billion won), and conditions have been inserted to exercise the opt-out every year (a clause that can be a free agent again depending on the player's will). That's how important the contract is from the first season.
In particular, the Japanese national team tried to set up a starting rotation with Shohei Kikuchi (35, LA Angels), Imai, and Atsuki Taneichi (Chiba Lotte Marines), but Imai left. It is a pretty painful declaration as Yoshinobu Yamamoto (28) and Shohei Ohtani (32, LA Dodgers) have not been confirmed to join the starting rotation.
Imai's remarks have great implications for Song Sung-moon (30), who will play for the San Diego Padres in the U.S. Major League Baseball starting in the 2026 season. When asked about WBC after coming in from Incheon International Airport after completing the contract negotiation process on December 23 last year, Song Sung-moon said, "We have to consult with the club. Therefore, it seems that it is difficult for me, as a player, to give an answer directly. If the club gives me permission, I will also think about it, but I said it might be difficult when the national team was called up last November. Because there will definitely be an influence from the environment or the club rather than my choice. So I couldn't be sure at the time, and I think it's the same situation now," he said carefully.
In a later interview with local U.S. reporters, San Diego General Manager A.J. Preller said, "We continue to talk about WBC with Song Sung-moon. Our club is always actively supporting what players want in principle, including whether they play in the WBC or not. It will be decided within a few weeks," he said.
However, from Song Sung-moon's point of view, he is facing the most important major league season of his career. In fact, the industry believes that Preller's remarks are a fundamental statement. Above all, Song Sung-moon needs to adapt to the Major League's ability to cope with fast balls as quickly as possible. An official familiar with the situation said, "It would be a real dilemma for Song Seong-moon. He also said, "I want to go to the WBC, but most of all, adapting to the Major League is important."
Public opinion is mixed in Japan over Imai's absence from the national team. There are some fans who give favorable reviews for being honest, but there seems to be a response that "I knew it." I wonder what decision Song Sung-moon will make on the WBC following Imai's remarks on his belief.
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*This content was translated by AI.
