San Francisco Giants baseball operations figure Buster Posey faces a critical offseason priority as the franchise eyes the Nippon Professional Baseball market to overhaul its pitching staff, according to reports. Following a 97-loss campaign that left the club searching for roster stability behind Logan Webb and the second-half emergence of Rafael Devers, the organization is evaluating overseas pitching targets under the guidance of manager Tony Vitello.
Targeting Japanese Pitching Talent
The Giants have turned their attention toward Nippon Professional Baseball standouts Hiromi Itoh and Kaima Taira to address their pitching needs. Neither pitcher’s availability is guaranteed, as their respective Japanese clubs must first place them into the posting system. That official action triggers a 45-day negotiation window for Major League Baseball franchises.
Hiromi Itoh, a right-hander who turned 29 in August, has pitched for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters since 2021. He posted a 3.18 ERA over 172.2 innings in his most recent season while allowing 16 home runs. Kaima Taira, a right-hander for the Seibu Lions who turned 27 in November, finished his season with a 1.36 ERA, 12 wins, five losses, and four home runs allowed across 146 innings. Evaluations continue regarding whether Taira would transition to the major leagues as a starter or a relief pitcher, though he might be considered a mid-rotation piece rather than a number two behind Logan Webb.
Historical Obstacles in the Overseas Market
San Francisco’s pursuit of Japanese talent runs parallel to historical challenges in signing players directly from Nippon Professional Baseball. The franchise previously missed out on major international acquisitions such as Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki, both of whom signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. As of October 2026, only two Japan-born players have signed their first Major League Baseball contracts directly with the Giants: Masanori Murakami in 1964, who debuted after coming over from the Nankai Hawks, and Kensuke Tanaka in 2013.
Upcoming December Deadline and Offseason Timeline
Franchise evaluations and overseas negotiations face a looming industry deadline on December 2, when a potential Major League Baseball lockout could begin. If an agreement is not reached before that date, transaction timelines and winter market strategies will face significant disruptions.
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