On the 31st, Seibu Lions pitcher Kaima Taira (26) spoke to the press at Belluna Dome in Tokorozawa City, Saitama, following the approval of his move to the US Major Leagues via the posting system on the previous day, the 30th. He set his goal in the Majors as becoming the first Japanese player to win the Cy Young Award.

A sense of unwavering confidence peeked through his calm tone of voice. Having received the right to challenge the stage he had admired since joining the team as a fourth-round draft pick in 2017, he expressed his determination, saying, 'I am simply happy, and I want to do my best from here.' He is aiming for the title awarded to the world's best pitcher. 'If you are going to be a pitcher, everyone wants to win the Cy Young, and I want to work toward that.' At the same time, he also dreamed, 'I would be happy if I could play in the World Series.'

He explained his criteria for selecting a new team, stating, 'There are no specific conditions... In the end, it comes down to whether it is a good contract overall.' Although there are local reports that the Yankees are considering acquiring him as a reliever, he denied the possibility of switching to a relief role at this time, saying, 'I don't think the conditions for a reliever would ever be higher than for a starter.' He is waiting for offers with an open stance toward all 30 teams, expressing his desire to 'go somewhere that truly needs me' as a starting pitcher.

Procedures are expected to be carried out as early as November 1st, the start date for posting applications. The negotiation period lasts for 45 days after Major League Baseball notifies all 30 clubs that the player is available for contract. While there are concerns that negotiations could stall due to a potential lockout starting on December 1st in the Majors, he made the decision without any hesitation, stating, 'Both my agent and I are confident that everything will be fine, so I had no internal conflict at all.' He has already been practicing with Major League balls for several years, so there are no issues with adaptation.

Seibu Lions manager Nishiguchi also sent words of encouragement in an interview with Sports Hochi, saying, 'It is the player's right, and the club has given its approval. In Taira's case, he has always had this dream, so if he has earned the right, I want him to go over there and do his best.' The day when the Lions' powerhouse pitcher crosses the ocean is drawing closer by the moment. (Ayami Ohnaka)

The local newspaper 'New York Post' reported that the Yankees have shown interest in Taira. It was reported that they have been conducting scouting with a view toward acquiring the right-hander, stating that 'multiple scouts believe relief is his most suitable role,' suggesting they are considering him for the bullpen, which is an area in need of reinforcement. The official MLB website also introduced Taira, reporting that 'in terms of raw power, he might be at a level second only to Sukubaru (a free agent from the Dodgers) in this off-season's transfer market.'

Cy Young Award: A prestigious title awarded to the best pitcher of the year. It was established in 1956 to honor the legendary pitcher Cy Young, who died in 1955 and holds numerous MLB records, including 511 career wins. Until 1966, one person was selected from both leagues combined, and since 1967, one person from each league has been chosen by a vote of journalists. The record for the most awards is seven, held by Roger Clemens (formerly of the Red Sox and other teams).