Kaima Taira Set for MLB Posting as Yankees Scout Him
On October 30, Japan’s Seibu Lions announced that right-hander Kaima Taira will be posted for MLB teams, with the Yankees among the clubs that have scouted him.
The Seibu Lions are preparing to make Kaima Taira available to Major League Baseball teams through the posting system, opening a possible path for the Japanese right-hander to move to the majors this offseason. The Yankees have also sent scouts to watch him, though they have not announced plans to pursue him.
Taira, who turns 27 in November, has a fastball that reaches roughly 95 to 99 mph and has worked as both a starter and reliever. He posted a 1.36 ERA over 146 innings last season after returning to the rotation. Some scouts believe his best fit in MLB would be in relief, while his recent success as a starter adds to his appeal.
The Yankees’ rotation appears largely settled, but their bullpen has potential openings. Closer David Bednar is a free agent, as are left-handers Tim Hill and Ryan Yarbrough and relievers Michael Fulmer and John Schreiber. Fernando Cruz is dealing with a partially torn elbow ligament, while Brent Headrick faded late after appearing in 81 games.
Taira and other Japanese players expected to be posted in early November would have 45 days to sign with an MLB club. The current collective bargaining agreement expires December 1, when a lockout is expected to begin. If Taira has not signed by then, his posting window would pause and resume after the lockout ends, creating pressure to complete negotiations before the deadline. The Angels have also been urged to consider him as a potential rotation addition, but no pursuit by the club has been announced.