Seibu Lions to Post RHP Kaima Taira for MLB Move

Japanese right-hander Kaima Taira will move to MLB via the posting system after recording a 1.36 ERA this season.

The Seibu Lions announced they will allow right-handed pitcher Kaima Taira to pursue a Major League Baseball career through the posting system. The 26-year-old finished the current Japanese season with a 12-5 record and a 1.36 ERA. Taira holds a 37-24 career record in Japan and previously recorded 31 saves for the Lions during the 2025 season.

According to the news agency Kyodo, Taira stated his professional objectives include winning a Cy Young award and pitching in the World Series. He joins Japanese slugger Teruaki Sato, who also announced intentions to move to American baseball after hitting 39 home runs and recording 106 RBI this season.

This move follows a 2025 MLB season where Japanese players Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto led the Los Angeles Dodgers to a second consecutive World Series title. Ohtani earned his fourth MVP award that year, while Yamamoto was named World Series MVP. Taira's transition continues a three-decade trend of Japanese talent entering MLB, highlighted by the recent Hall of Fame election of former Seattle Mariners star Ichiro Suzuki.