2026 PERSOL Climax Series Pacific League First Stage Game 3: Seibu Lions vs. Nippon-Ham (12th, Belluna Dome)

On the 12th, Seibu Lions team president Tsuyoshi Okumura (59) spoke to the press after the team's elimination in the third game of the Climax Series (CS) First Stage.

During the interview, he was asked about and mentioned Seibu Lions' Kaima Taira, who is said to have aspirations for the Major Leagues and the possibility of moving there via the posting system. Team President Okumura stated, "We will maintain solid communication from here on. I have entrusted this to Hiroike (General Manager), who is the head of team composition, so I believe he will communicate thoroughly and hold discussions. Since the game just ended today, all I can say at this stage is that we will communicate and have discussions."

Taira joined the Seibu Lions as a fourth-round draft pick in 2017 from Okinawa's Yaeyama Shoko. In his ninth professional season this year, he appeared in 23 games, recording 12 wins and 5 losses with an ERA of 1.36, earning his first career Best ERA title. If his move to the Major Leagues via the posting system is realized, it will be the second consecutive year for the team following pitcher Tatsuya Imai (Astros) in the 2025 offseason.