In a shocking development in the international baseball world, Tatsuya Imai — Japan’s top pitching star — has caused a public outcry by bluntly declaring that he does not want to join the Los Angeles Dodgers, even emphasizing a bigger goal: beating them.
In his most recent interview, Imai made it clear:
“I want to beat the Dodgers… I think beating a team like that and becoming a world champion would be the most valuable thing in my life.”
No mincing words, no ambiguity. He does not want to be on the same side as Ohtani — he wants to take down the best team on the planet.
But it doesn’t stop there. When asked about this statement, Shohei Ohtani — a global icon, the greatest two-way player in history, and the Dodgers’ No. 1 star — had a response that shook the entire MLB.
Ohtani: “You want to eliminate the Dodgers? Then prove it.”
According to inside sources, Ohtani didn’t play it safe, didn’t play it safe. He looked straight at the issue and sent Imai a cold but powerful message:
“If you say you want to beat us, fine. But ask yourself — do you have the ability to eliminate us?”
It wasn’t just a question, it was a challenge. A declaration. An invitation to battle.
Ohtani rarely spoke so strongly. But with the Dodgers at the height of their power — both upgraded with historic contracts and possessing formidable roster depth — a Japanese pitcher openly declaring “wanting to take them down” was something the entire organization took notice of.
And Ohtani, with the fortitude of someone accustomed to pressure, chose to respond with a warrior’s spirit.
Tatsuya Imai — The Man Who Wants to Defeat the Strongest Empire in MLB
Imai is right to call the Dodgers the world’s biggest challenge.
The team owns:
MVP Shohei Ohtani
Cy Young Yoshinobu Yamamoto
All-Star sluggers
A smooth-running and resource-rich system
If you want to assert your class, the Dodgers are the highest mountain. And perhaps that’s why Imai chose the hardest path — not to join, but to confront.
But that strong statement put him in the center of attention. Many opinions said that Imai was “talking bigger than his ability”, others said that it was the admirable fighting spirit of a young pitcher who was not afraid of any empire.
For the Dodgers, Imai’s statement was no different from a signal of war.
Internally, many players were said to feel “stimulated”, as if a new fire had ignited. They’re used to being the hunted team — but someone who’s so outspoken about “wanting to eliminate them”? That’s rare.
And Ohtani chose the right moment to respond publicly. He didn’t mock, he didn’t belittle, he didn’t exaggerate — just one question, but it was heavy enough to make MLB stir:
“Are you good enough?”
Japan-Los Angeles Tensions: A Predestined Battle?
The Japanese media immediately connected the two names: Ohtani — the symbol of perfection, and Imai — the new face who dared to challenge the norm.
One represented the pinnacle.
The other represented the desire to overthrow.
And if fate brought them together on the international stage or the World Series?
It would be a match that would leave both countries holding their breath.
Tatsuya Imai says he doesn’t want to join the Dodgers — he wants to take them down.
Shohei Ohtani responded: “Prove it or not.”
No further words needed.
MLB has a new rivalry story — and the world is waiting to see if Imai can make good on his words, or continue to be a challenger to the Dodgers empire.
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