TOKOROZAWA, Japan - The Seibu Lions will post right-hander Kaima Taira as he aims for a move to MLB during the offseason, the Pacific League club said Friday.
The 26-year-old from Okinawa Prefecture was converted back to a starter this season and went 12-5 with a PL-leading 1.36 ERA, helping the Lions reach their first postseason Climax Series since 2022.
A Nippon Professional Baseball player can move to MLB either as an international free agent, a status gained after nine years as a pro, or as a posted player whose club agrees to accept a release fee if he signs abroad.
"I've long held a desire to play in the majors. I've finally taken my first step," Taira said through the Lions.
Speaking at the club's facility in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, General Manager Koji Hiroike said it is "our turn to fulfill his wish."
"(Taira) pitched in various roles to respond to the team's needs and left best results possible," he said.
Interested clubs can negotiate a deal with Taira from Nov. 1, with the normal timeframe set at 45 days.
A source close to the matter, however, said the deadline could be brought forward to Dec. 1 when MLB's current Collective Bargaining Agreement expires, in case a new agreement cannot be reached.
Triple Crown-winning Hanshin Tigers slugger Teruaki Sato is also seeking a move to MLB via the posting system.
The Lions' fourth draft pick ahead of the 2018 season, Taira won Rookie of the Year in 2020 after pitching in 54 games with a 1.87 ERA.
The league's best reliever in 2022, Taira led with 31 saves last year with his fastball topping out at 160 kilometers per hour.
