Another Japanese star arm is headed for the big leagues. The Seibu Lions announced Saturday that they will post right-hander Kaima Taira so he can sign with a Major League Baseball team.

Taira, 26, was dominant this season. He went 12-5 with a 1.36 ERA for Seibu.

He has a 37-24 career record in Japan. He has also shown he can close. In 2025 he saved 31 games for the Lions before moving into a bigger role this year.

Aiming for a Cy Young

Taira is not shy about his goals. "As a pitcher, my goal is to win a Cy Young award," he said, according to the Kyodo news agency. "And I'd like to pitch in the World Series as well."

Under the posting system, MLB teams will get a window to negotiate with him once Seibu formally makes him available.

Part of a big Japanese class

Taira is not the only NPB star making the jump. Slugger Teruaki Sato recently said he wants to play in the majors too after hitting 39 home runs with 106 RBIs this season.

Japanese players have left a huge mark on MLB. Ichiro Suzuki is a Hall of Famer. In 2025 Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto helped the Los Angeles Dodgers become the first repeat World Series champion in 25 years. Ohtani won his fourth MVP award and Yamamoto was named World Series MVP.