Another Japanese star is ready to make the jump to the majors.
Four-time NPB All-Star pitcher Kaima Taira will be posted by the Saitama Seibu Lions this offseason, the Japanese team confirmed Friday, according to Max Ralph of MLB.com.
Taira, who will turn 27 in November, is a 5-foot-8 right-hander who's starred as both a starter and reliever during his eight-year career. In 146 innings this season, he put up an NPB-best 1.36 ERA, along with a 0.96 WHIP, 141 strikeouts, and one shutout, while allowing just four homers.
His stellar season in the Lions' rotation came one year after he tallied 31 saves as their All-Star closer. Taira's resume also includes the 2020 Pacific League Rookie of the Year award, a combined no-hitter (with current Houston Astros pitcher Tatsuya Imai) in 2025, and an NPB-record 39 consecutive scoreless relief appearances.
Taira's fastball averaged 95.7 mph this year, the hardest in NPB among qualified starters, according to Yakyu Cosmopolitan. His dizzying arsenal also includes a cutter, slider, changeup, and splitter, per MLB.com's Michael Clair.
Kaima Taira’s last two seasons: 2026 as a starter: 146.0 IP | 1.36 ERA | 2.28 FIP | 24.8% K% 2025 as a reliever: 52.2 IP | 1.71 ERA | 2.05 FIP | 24.1% K% With a posting expected this winter, his success in both roles makes him an intriguing arm to watch. https://t.co/BnhHI1hXaE
— Carson Wolf (@TheWrigleyWire) October 21, 2026
The main question about his MLB prospects revolves around the role he'll play in the majors. His short stature may lead some teams to view him as a better option for the bullpen long term.
The New York Yankees are among the teams known to have scouted Taira, according to Dan Martin of the New York Post.
Once Seibu posts Taira, MLB teams will have a 45-day window to negotiate with him. If he doesn't sign a contract in the majors before that window ends, his rights will revert back to the Lions. However, a lockout could interrupt the posting process if MLB and the players' association don't agree to a new collective bargaining agreement by Dec. 2.
Taira is the second NPB star to enter the posting system in the offseason's early stages, joining Hanshin Tigers slugger Teruaki Sato.
