The Saitama Seibu Lions have signed Indian pitcher Akshay More to a development contract for the 2026 Nippon Professional Baseball season, according to an official announcement by the club on Dec. 27. The agreement marks a historic roster addition as the franchise builds out its international scouting strategy to tap into non-traditional baseball pipelines across Asia.
Breaking New Ground in the Pacific League
According to the Saitama Seibu Lions, the signing of More forms a cornerstone of the organization’s newly formalized overseas strategy aimed at discovering and developing raw athletic talent from countries where baseball is still growing. While NPB has historically drawn talent from established domestic high school and university circuits, alongside seasoned imports from North America and other traditional baseball nations, the Lions are casting a wider net.
The 22-year-old right-hander arrives in Saitama with an unconventional athletic pedigree. Public records and club disclosures outline a sporting background that spans just six years of organized baseball experience, contrasted with a deep competitive foundation in judo.
An Unconventional Athletic Background
Before transitioning fully to the diamond, More established himself as a high-level competitor on the tatami mats. Team information confirms that the young prospect captured a runner-up finish at a national judo tournament in India, showcasing the core strength, balance, and explosive rotational power that professional scouts look for in power pitchers.
Transitioning from martial arts to pitching in roughly half a decade presents a steep developmental curve. However, Nippon Professional Baseball franchises have increasingly utilized development contracts—known colloquially as ikusei deals—to shelter raw international prospects from immediate top-team pressure, allowing them to refine mechanics, velocity, and pitch command within the team’s minor league farm system.
Developmental Path and the Road to 2026
Under the terms of his developmental agreement, More will report to the Saitama Seibu Lions’ minor league facilities to work alongside the organization’s pitching coordinators and strength coaches. Development contracts allow NPB clubs to evaluate players outside the standard 70-player roster limit, giving athletes time to adapt to Japanese baseball culture, language nuances, and the rigorous training regimens characteristic of Japanese professional clubs.
The club has not yet outlined a precise timeline for More’s integration into minor league games, though winter conditioning and organizational orientation programs are expected to begin ahead of official spring training camps. The Lions’ front office views the signing as a long-term investment, assessing whether athletic foundational skills developed in sports like judo can translate into effective pitching performance on a professional mound.
Next Steps for the Saitama Seibu Lions
The Saitama Seibu Lions will continue their organizational preparations for the upcoming calendar year, with player reporting dates and spring training schedules set to be announced through official club channels in the coming weeks. Fans and analysts looking to follow More’s progress can check updates directly via the official Saitama Seibu Lions website.
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