Per reports out of Japan, the Seibu Lions are expected to post pitcher Kaima Taira to Major League teams this winter. The move will add a very intriguing pitcher, one who can throw hard and has a strong history of success in Japan. But there is a stereotype he’ll have to overcome if he does become a Major Leaguer.
A Look at Taira
It’s been an interesting run for Kaima Taira, who worked as both a very good reliever and a top starter for Seibu over his NPB career.
The 26-year-old pitched in eight seasons with Seibu, starting in 2019 as a reliever, a role he held until 2023. It was a role he performed very well in; he earned the Best Reliever Award in 2022, and notched a career-best 31 saves in 2025.
But in 2023, he struck out 153 over 150 innings and posted a 2.40 ERA. Taira spent two more years as a reliever before a dominant 2026 campaign. He struck out 141 over 146, posted a stellar 1.36 ERA, and also had the second-lowest BB/9 (2.8) in his pro career.
Deep pitch arsenal for Taima, who deployed a hard fastball (mid-to-upper-90s), plus a slider, cutter, changeup, splitter, and sinker (h/t NPB Pitch Profiler).
While Taima was a starter at points, the reality is that he’s very likely a reliever from a long-term perspective. He’s 5’7”, a height not uncommon per se amongst NPB pitchers. But it would put him on par with Yuki Matsui for the shortest pitcher in the Major Leagues. While shorter pitchers are unique looks, generally speaking, no starters nowadays are that height.
It’s a stereotype he’ll have to fight, although Matsui’s done for himself over the past few seasons with San Diego.
Taira would become the second big-name player from the NPB to be posted. Teruaki Sato is expected to be by Hanshin at some point this winter. He would also become the second notable Seibu Lions pitcher in consecutive years, as the club did the same with now-Astros pitcher Tatsuya Imai.
Where would he fit?
Obviously, teams that need pitching.
But in all seriousness, competitive ballclubs that need bullpen help would be obvious choices. Think teams like the White Sox, Tigers, or even a club like the Padres, a club that lost several bullpen pitchers to free agency.
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