The Seibu Lions announced on the 30th that they have decided to accept pitcher Kaima Taira's expressed intention to seek a transfer to Major League Baseball using the posting system. The club will now begin the necessary procedures for the transfer.

Taira joined the Seibu Lions as a fourth-round draft pick in 2017. After making his first-team debut in 2019, his second year, he appeared in 26 games that same year, contributing to the Seibu Lions' consecutive league titles with 2 wins, 1 loss, 6 holds, 1 save, and a 3.38 ERA. In 2020, he appeared in 54 games and won the Rookie of the Year title with 1 win, 33 holds, 1 save, and a 1.87 ERA. Starting that year, he appeared in over 50 games for three consecutive years, and in 2022, he won the title for best reliever pitcher.

In 2023, he converted to a starting pitcher, pitching 150 innings across 23 games, achieving his first double-digit win season with 11 wins (7 losses) and a 2.40 ERA. In 2025, he appeared in 54 games as a reliever and recorded 31 saves, earning the title for most saves. This season, he returned to the starting rotation, pitching 146 innings across 23 games, and led the starting staff with a 12-5 record and a 1.36 ERA, securing the title for best ERA.

▼ Hiroshi Hiroike, Director and General Manager of the Baseball Team

"Pitcher Taira has taken on various roles in response to the team's requests up until now, and has achieved results to the point of winning titles. I felt that it was now our turn to respond to his requests, and I conveyed that sentiment to him. This year, as a starter, his output did not drop off until the end of the game, and he would shift into an even higher gear during critical situations. It felt as if a closer was pitching from the first inning to the last, and I felt he had reached another level. His strong sense of inquiry and desire for improvement, along with his high ability to give shape to what he works on, are what make him great. In my mind, he is undoubtedly the number one pitcher in NPB. While nothing has been decided regarding his future yet, I am truly looking forward to seeing what kind of pitch he will throw against MLB hitters. I hope he continues to pitch in his own style for a long time without injury."

▼ Kaima Taira

I have wanted to play in the Major Leagues for a long time, so I feel like I have finally taken a step toward that goal. During the nine years I played after being drafted, I had a truly enjoyable and wonderful time with all the staff and my teammates. These are precious memories that I will never forget.