# Japanese baseball players seeking MLB moves

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/japanese-baseball-players-seeking-mlb-moves
> Updated: 2026-10-21T20:32:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 3.

Several Japanese professional baseball players are expressing interest in moving to Major League Baseball (MLB) via the posting system during the current off-season.

Seibu Lions pitcher Kaima Hirano, who earned the Pacific League’s best ERA title with a 1.36 mark, intends to pursue the majors. Seibu Lions General Manager Koji Hiroike stated the club understands Hirano’s ambition. U.S. media analysts have suggested Hirano could serve as an effective reliever or closer, with potential contract values estimated around $60 million over three years. Additionally, pitcher Kosei Takahashi is reportedly considering exercising overseas free agency rights.

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters pitcher Kaito Ito has communicated his desire to move to the United States through his agent. While the Fighters may offer contracts with opt-out clauses to retain him, Ito’s transition faces potential delays if the upcoming expiration of the MLB collective bargaining agreement leads to a lockout. The San Francisco Giants have reportedly shown interest in Ito.

In a separate development regarding the Fighters, pitcher Hiromi Ito has expressed significant indecision regarding a potential move, describing his current state as ‘fifty-fifty’ as he weighs his commitment to the club against the desire to compete globally.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-21: Japanese NPB pitchers consider MLB moves via posting system

NPB stars Kaima Hirano and Hiromi Ito are considering MLB opportunities via the posting system, with Hirano projected as a high-value reliever and Ito weighing his future heavily.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japanese-npb-pitchers-consider-mlb-moves-via-posting-system

### 2026-10-17: Hiroya 伊藤 (Kaito Ito) considers MLB move via posting system

Nippon-Ham Fighters ace Kaito Ito is considering an MLB move via the posting system, with the San Francisco Giants reportedly showing strong interest.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hiroya-kaito-ito-considers-mlb-move-via-posting-system

### 2026-10-12: Kaima Hirano seeks MLB move via posting system

Seibu Lions pitcher Kaima Hirano aims to join MLB via the posting system. Scouts predict a bidding war for the 26-year-old, with potential contracts reaching $150 million.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kaima-hirano-seeks-mlb-move-via-posting-system

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Cite as: Japanese baseball players seeking MLB moves. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/japanese-baseball-players-seeking-mlb-moves