Japanese ace Kaima Taira may be 'best starting pitcher available' outside of Tarik Skubal

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Japanese ace Kaima Taira may be 'best starting pitcher available' outside of Tarik Skubal

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Sep 10, 2026 6:15 PM ET

One MLB insider views Japanese right-hander Kaima Taira as the top starting pitcher on the market outside of ace Tarik Skubal this winter.

ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan believes with Taira's 5-foot-8, 220-pound frame, he is "forged in the shape of a fire hydrant" — which is usually associated with pitchers who are short but thickly built. The lower-half power that he gets from his strong legs allows him to generate high torque.

According to Passan, the 26-year-old right-hander is expected to be posted in November by the Saitama Seibu Lions.

Taira possesses elite stuff, and his unmatched versatility is leaving teams contemplating his role as a reliever or starter. The flexibility he provides as a pitcher, along with his young age, will make him a hot commodity this winter.

This is Kaima Taira. He is 5-foot-8, 220 pounds and throws up to 100 mph. He also might be the best starting pitcher available this winter outside of Tarik Skubal. More on him, Teruaki Sato (the class’ best hitter) and Hiromi Itoh: https://t.co/cOHKPO8tDn pic.twitter.com/yHTSuY7Zc7
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) September 10, 2026

Kaima Taira's dominance as both a closer and starter make him a prized option for MLB teams

Taira has been dominant as a closer, and he led the Pacific League with 31 saves with a 1.71 ERA in 2025, but was then converted back as a starting pitcher this season.

This season, he's posted a league-best 1.46 ERA across 117 innings. He has a deep arsenal with a fastball that peaks at 100 mph. He also has an elite extension and unique release point that allow him to dominate hitters from an uphill angle.

Keeping in mind that there may be an MLB lockout this offseason, and Taira is on track to be posted in early November. Since posted international players have up to 45 days to sign with an MLB team, some clubs may be aggressive in their pursuit of the flamethrower.

In addition to Taira, both Teruaki Sato (pitcher) and Hiromi Itoh (infielder/outfielder) are two other appealing NPB stars who will be hitting the market.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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