Sports · Baseball · 3 hrs ago
Seibu Lions to post Kaima Taira for an MLB move
The Seibu Lions will post pitcher Kaima Taira this offseason, opening a route for him to move from Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball to Major League Baseball.
The 26-year-old right-hander from Okinawa went 12-5 with a league-leading 1.36 ERA after returning to a starting role this season.
His performance helped Seibu reach the Pacific League's postseason Climax Series for the first time since 2022.
Under the posting system, a Japanese club can release a player to seek a contract abroad in return for a fee if he signs.
Taira said he has long wanted to play in the majors, and the Lions' general manager said the club would help fulfill that wish.
Interested MLB teams can begin negotiations on Nov.
1, normally for 45 days, though the deadline could be moved up to Dec.
1 because MLB's current labor agreement expires then.
The Seibu Lions will post right-hander Kaima Taira as he seeks to move to Major League Baseball during the offseason.
Taira, 26, went 12-5 with a Pacific League-leading 1.36 ERA this season.
He helped the Lions reach their first postseason Climax Series since 2022.
Interested clubs can begin negotiating with Taira on Nov. 1, with the normal negotiation period set at 45 days.
- Who
- Seibu Lions right-hander Kaima Taira.
- What
- The Lions will post him so he can seek a move to MLB.
- When
- During the offseason; negotiations can begin Nov. 1.
- Where
- The Seibu Lions are based in Japan.
- Why
- Taira has long wanted to play in the majors.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Taira was the Lions' fourth draft pick ahead of the season.
Taira won Rookie of the Year after pitching in 54 games with a 1.87 ERA.
Taira was named the league's best reliever.
Taira led the league with 31 saves, and his fastball reached 160 kilometers per hour.
Converted back to a starter, Taira went 12-5 with a 1.36 ERA and helped the Lions reach the postseason Climax Series.
Interested clubs can begin negotiating a deal with Taira.
- Age
- 26
- 2026 season record
- 12-5
- Pacific League-leading ERA
- 1.36
- Negotiations begin
- Nov. 1
- Normal negotiation period
- 45 days
4 sources
What people are saying
I've long held a desire to play in the majors. I've finally taken my first step.
our turn to fulfill his wish.
(Taira) pitched in various roles to respond to the team's needs and left best results possible