Another Japanese star is ready to make the jump to the majors.<\/p>\n
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<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Taira’s fastball averaged 95.7 mph this year, the hardest in NPB among qualified starters, according to Yakyu Cosmopolitan<\/a>. His dizzying arsenal also includes a cutter, slider, changeup, and splitter, per MLB.com’s Michael Clair<\/a>.<\/p>\n Kaima Taira\u2019s last two seasons:<\/p>\n 2026 as a starter: 2025 as a reliever: With a posting expected this winter, his success in both roles makes him an intriguing arm to watch. https:\/\/t.co\/BnhHI1hXaE<\/p>\n \u2014 Carson Wolf (@TheWrigleyWire) October 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The New York Yankees are among the teams known to have scouted Taira, according to Dan Martin of the New York Post<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n
\n146.0 IP | 1.36 ERA | 2.28 FIP | 24.8% K%<\/p>\n
\n52.2 IP | 1.71 ERA | 2.05 FIP | 24.1% K%<\/p>\n