[REVISION HISTORY]
Japanese baseball players seeking MLB moves
Updated 1 time since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.
What changed
2026-10-17 20:44 UTC → 2026-10-23 08:14 UTC ·
added
removed
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 also 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.
Versions
- 2026-10-23 08:14 UTC Japanese baseball players seeking MLB moves
- 2026-10-17 20:44 UTC Japanese baseball players seeking MLB moves
Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.