Houston fans enthusiastically welcomed Tatsuya Imai, who received cheers throughout the NFL stadium.

Tatsuya Imai, the most prominent Japanese pitcher in this year's free agent market, appeared publicly in Houston following his agreement to join the Astros. Prior to the team's official signing press conference, he was seen at the NFL game at the Houston Texans' home field, receiving cheers from all the fans, highlighting his strong fanbase.

On January 2, Tatsuya Imai reached a signing agreement with the Astros, securing a three-year contract worth $54 million. The deal includes a base salary of $18 million annually, with incremental increases based on innings pitched, up to $21 million, and also features an opt-out clause at the end of each season.

The Astros will hold an official signing press conference for Tatsuya Imai tomorrow. He has already arrived in Houston and today appeared at the NFL game alongside his agent Scott Boras and Astros owner Jim Crane, watching the Houston Texans face the Indianapolis Colts. The Texans organization specially introduced this new Houston member on the stadium’s big screen, prompting the crowd to cheer warmly and welcome him enthusiastically.