Seibu Lions pitchers Kona Takahashi (29) and Kaima Taira (26) participated in autumn training that began on the 20th at the club's facilities in Tokorozawa City, Saitama. They revealed their long-held aspirations for Major League Baseball.

Taira spoke while looking straight ahead. "The world's best players are gathered there, and I want to play in that kind of environment. I think the treatment and conditions are completely different, so I want to go for those reasons as well." In his ninth professional season this year, he appeared in 23 games, recording 12 wins and 5 losses with a 1.36 ERA, earning his first career ERA title. He has been expressing his desire to challenge the Major Leagues to the club since the 2019 off-season, and his agent has already held negotiations this off-season. The earliest he can acquire international free agency rights is the 2028 season. "I tell the club every year that I want to go. Since it would be through the posting system (if it happened this off-season), it is not my right. I think it depends on the club." He remains calm, silently making preparations for when the time comes.

Kona Takahashi revealed his complex feelings. Although he was granted permission to use the posting system last off-season, he remained with the Seibu Lions and acquired international free agency rights during this season. Having joined the team as the first-round draft pick in 2014 from Maebashi Ikuei in Gunma, he said, "Of course I love The Lions and feel a strong attachment to them. They have truly allowed me to do so many things and let me play freely to get to where I am today, so I am sincerely grateful." However, while feeling a debt of gratitude for being raised by the team, he confessed, "Compared to last year, I can go anywhere, and in terms of having international free agency rights, I think there is more to consider than last year." Keeping all options open both domestically and internationally, he will seek the best possible decision.