Japanese right‑hander Kaima Taira is set to leave the Seibu Lions and pursue a Major League Baseball career through the posting system, his team announced. The 26‑year‑old posted a 12-5 record with a 1.36 ERA this season, adding to a career line of 37-24 in Japan. Taira told Kyodo he aims to win a Cy Young Award and pitch in the World Series.
Meanwhile, Japanese slugger Teruaki Sato also signaled interest in moving to MLB after hitting 39 home runs and driving in 106 RBI this year. Japan’s impact on MLB continues to grow; former Mariners star Ichiro Suzuki recently entered the Hall of Fame, and in 2025 Shohei Ohtani earned a fourth MVP while Yoshinobu Yamamoto was named World Series MVP, helping the Los Angeles Dodgers capture back‑to‑back titles for the first time in 25 years. The posting system opens doors for elite Japanese talent to sign overseas, and Taira’s move marks another notable chapter in this trend.
Source: ESPN MLB · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing