The bidding deadline for two Japanese players challenging MLB is approaching, with final negotiations scheduled in Los Angeles this week.

The bidding window is closing soon for the two Japanese players, Tatsuya Imai and Kazuma Okamoto, who have announced their MLB challenges. As reported by MLB official reporter Mark Feinsand, both players will conduct their final negotiations with interested clubs in Los Angeles this week.

Imai’s bidding deadline is the morning of January 3rd, Beijing time. Now 27, he was ranked fourth among starting pitchers in the previous free agent market rankings. Besides strong interest from the Chicago Cubs, the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies are actively pursuing him as well. This season, he started 24 games in Japan’s professional league, achieving a 10-5 record, pitching 163.2 innings with an ERA of just 1.92.

Okamoto’s bidding deadline is the morning of January 5th, Beijing time. Several teams have contacted him on the free agent market, including the San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Angels, Pittsburgh Pirates, Toronto Blue Jays, and Boston Red Sox. Okamoto, a six-time NPB All-Star, hit 248 home runs over an 11-year career with the Yomiuri Giants, boasting a slugging percentage of .521. Despite only playing 69 games this season due to injury, he still posted 15 home runs with a .327 batting average.

There were previous rumors that the Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, New York Yankees, and Philadelphia Phillies might be interested in Tatsuya Imai. However, in a recent interview with Japanese media, Imai himself stated that concrete options are limited, noting, “After all, a team’s interest and making an offer are two different things.”

Today, Nikkan Sports reported that Tatsuya Imai may have the opportunity to play alongside Munetaka Murakami in Chicago. The Chicago White Sox, previously seen as a dark horse to sign Murakami, have now shown a proactive approach towards Imai amid limited moves from other teams. Even if the White Sox ultimately do not secure a contract with him, this could influence the offers from other clubs.

Earlier, MLB Trade Rumors predicted that Tatsuya Imai could sign a six-year, $150 million deal, while FanGraphs analyst Ben Clemens projected a five-year, $100 million contract. However, Nikkan Sports reports that the White Sox’s offer is not a long-term deal but rather a shorter three-year contract.