On the 30th, the Seibu Lions announced that they have approved pitcher Kaima Taira (26) to challenge the Major Leagues via the posting system. Last offseason, pitcher Tatsuya Imai (28) also moved to the Astros through the same system. If Taira transfers, it will mark the second consecutive year that the Seibu Lions have lost an ace-level player.

Taira, who has been expressing his desire to play in the Major Leagues since the 2019 offseason, commented through the club: "I have wanted to play in the Majors for a long time, so I feel like I have finally taken a step toward that goal. During the nine years I played here after being drafted, I had a truly enjoyable and wonderful time with the staff and my teammates. These are precious memories that I will never forget."

General Manager Koji Hiroike (53) explained that while it was a "truly difficult decision" given the ace won 12 games this season and earned the best ERA title with a 1.36, he stated, "Starting with Rookie of the Year, he won titles as a reliever, as a closer, and this year as a starter. He has achieved wonderful results that are rarely seen. There is little left for him to accomplish in Japan. He pitched in various positions to meet the team's needs and still achieved the best results. I felt it was now the club's turn to grant his wish."

He has won titles in every position—starting pitcher, reliever, and closer—including Rookie of the Year in 2020, Best Reliever in 2022, Most Saves in 2025, and Best ERA in 2026. Many highly praise his flexibility, and it is believed that teams like the Giants have already shown interest in acquiring him, with some local reports predicting a large-scale contract worth 30 million dollars (approximately 4.7 billion yen) over three years. 'Looking at his performance this year, I believe he is undoubtedly the number one pitcher in Japan and NPB. I am looking forward to seeing how well he can compete against powerful American hitters from next year onwards, and I hope he continues to pitch for a long time without injury,' said General Manager Hiroike. With the possibility of a lockout starting in December, an early resolution within November is also possible. (Kota Ando)

Kaima Taira. Born November 15, 1999, in Okinawa Prefecture. 26 years old. Joined the Seibu Lions as the 4th draft pick in 2017 from Yaeyama Shoko High School. Debuted as a reliever in 2019, and in 2020, won Rookie of the Year with a league-high 54 appearances and a 1.87 ERA. Won 11 games as a starter in 2023. Led the league in saves in 2025. Switched back to being a starter this season and achieved the best ERA. 173 cm, 99 kg. Right-handed pitcher and hitter. This season's salary is 300 million yen.