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Source: NY Mets scouted latest Japanese pitcher being posted to MLB

The Mets were among the teams to scout Japanese pitcher Kaima Taira.
ByPat Ragazzo
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Sep 4, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets President of Baseball Operations, David Stearns, speaks to members of the media prior to the game against the San Francsico Giants at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Sep 4, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets President of Baseball Operations, David Stearns, speaks to members of the media prior to the game against the San Francsico Giants at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The New York Mets were among several teams to scout star pitcher Kaima Taira in Japan this past season, a source told FanSided. It was announced on Friday that Taira will be posted to MLB by the Seibu Lions of Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball this offseason, and he will likely be highly sought after in free agency.

The posting process officially opens sometime in early November and international players will have a 45-day window to sign with a major league team. If they don't sign by Dec. 1 when the lockout is expected to occur, the clock will be frozen until after there is a new collective bargaining agreement.

How the Mets view Kaima Taira

People within the organization believe Taira has a good arm and a feel to pitch. However, Taira is not very big, standing at 5"8 and 209 pounds, and it has been described as a "mixed bag" whether he projects as a starter or reliever. Luckily, Taira's velocity sits in the mid-90s and can reach close to triple digits.

The Mets are in need of multiple starters this winter and could use bullpen help as well. The addition of Taira would likely boost their staff regardless of whether he fits in as a starter or reliever. They could potentially bring in both Tarik Skubal and Taira to complement their young trio of Nolan McLean, Christian Scott and Zac Thornton in the rotation. If Taira is brought in as a relief arm, he would be a nice add as a high-leverage option that manager Andy Green can utilize in late-inning situations.

Kaima Taira's time in the NPB

The Mets weren't the only team to scout Taira, as the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Angels, Detroit Tigers, San Diego Padres, Chicago White Sox, Toronto Blue Jays and San Francisco Giants are the other known clubs to have watched the right-hander as well. That's because Taira, who turns 27 next month, had a stellar season in 2026, pitching to a 12-5 record, 1.36 ERA (NPB-best), 0.96 WHIP and 141 strikeouts in 23 appearances (146 innings).

Taira has bounced between being a reliever and a starter in the NPB. He was a reliever for the first five seasons of his career before becoming a starter. He moved back to being a relief pitcher for two more seasons until 2026. In 2025, Taira saved 31 games and had a 1.71 ERA in the Lions' bullpen. Taira certainly has the arsenal to be a starter in the majors, throwing a fastball, cutter, changeup, sweeper and splitter.

Beyond Taira, the Mets also scouted Japanese slugger Terukai Sato on numerous occasions last season, including president of baseball operations David Stearns himself.

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