Giants reportedly scouted 2 Japanese pitchers ahead of MLB free agency

[u/ericthelostman]

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/baseball/giants-reportedly-scouted-2-japanese-pitchers-ahead-of-mlb-free-agency/ar-AA2e5TX0

Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reported (subscription required) that the Giants have been scouting Japanese pitchers Hiromi Itoh and Karima Taira. Both are expected to become available to MLB teams this year.

Hiromi Itoh Brings Starting Rotation Experience

Itoh, 29, is an established starting pitcher for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters.

The right-hander finished the 2026 season with a 10-10 record, 3.18 ERA and 159 strikeouts across 172 2/3 innings of work.

It should be numbers are a bit of a step back when compared to his 2025 stats. During that season, he went 14-8 with a 2.52 ERA and 195 strikeouts in 196 2/3 innings.

toh has the ability to handle a significant workload and that could make him a very attractive option for the Giants who, obviously, need rotation stability.

Itoh really isn’t known for an overpowering velocity; rather, he uses a diverse pitching mix to get to hitters.

He has displayed solid command in 2026 when he issued just 34 walks over 172 2/3 innings.

Experience, command and durability are all traits San Francisco could use.

Kaima Taira Could Address Multiple Needs

Taira, who is 26, is a different possibility.

The Saitama Seibu Lions right-hander has experience as both a starter and reliever. That kind of versatility is interesting to every MLB team.

His 2026 performance was head-turning.

He finished with a 12-5 record and a remarkable 1.36 ERA across 146 innings while striking out 141 hitters.

He spent much of 2025 working out of the bullpen, but returned to a starting role in 2026 and proved that he can be successful in whatever role the team needs him.

His profile is also different from Itoh's, given that his fastball can reach the upper 90s. The flexibility should be very interesting to the Giants.

Taira’s availability is not guaranteed, though. His Japanese club would have to make him available through the posting system before MLB teams could start negotiating a contract.

With his flexibility and velocity, he is going to be attractive to multiple teams if he reaches the market, and San Francisco will need to be aggressive if he is indeed a target.

[u/jaws4671]

NPB is in a dead ball era, I’d be very concerned if Itoh was a main piece. Taira on the other hand looks decent I think he’s going to be the primary target this offseason. Should be a solid 3rd-5th starter.

[u/Federal-Click-869 → u/jaws4671]

Wait what do you mean dead ball era? Like they’re not producing good players? Or what? Sorry I’m not too familiar with NPB I just want to be enlightened

[u/ofdm → u/Federal-Click-869]

There is an offensive slump in the NPB that makes the pitchers look better than they would outside the league. Maybe because the actual NPB balls are harder to hit

[u/Error262_USRnotfound]

wake me when someone in ownership cares about winning.

[u/_brave_lil_toaster_]

Scouting them for the Dodgers?

[u/Diamond1580]

I believe Itoh was who everyone wanted the giants to get last year before he didn’t get posted and everyone flipped to Imai even though he was almost universally thought of as worse.

Either pitcher would certainly have to be signed along with another left handed pitcher, but would welcome either one. However my preference is Itoh. He has the lower ceiling, but signing someone who will pitch a lot and won’t walk a lot of batters is exactly what our starting rotation needs.

Being able to guarantee 380-400 innings of competent to elite pitching between Itoh and Webb, combined with a solid end of the rotation in Houser and Roupp is a solid base to add (hopefully) both an explosive lefty and Jackson Flora to

[u/ericthelostman → u/Diamond1580]

Hiroto Saiki is the name that's been connected to the Giants for years, but he's on the same team as Sato and it's unlikely that they post two key players in same offseason.

Itoh I haven't heard connected to the Giants (until this report from Slusser).

[u/CampSubject9176 → u/ericthelostman]

Yep Saiki pitched 5 scoreless innings in the exhibition win against the Dodgers

[u/Asleep-Branch-7088]

To come in 2nd again?

[u/d57giants]

So the Dodgers will sign them .

[u/TrulyJDB_480]

I’ve seen this movie before

[u/jusxchilln]

yawn

[u/SuddenlyThirsty]

all around the world the same song....

We've been here too many times before.

[u/Serrano_edgar10]

We know where this might end up at, with another MLB team instead of

[u/Bobloblaw_333]

Itoh sounds like someone the Giants would actually sign but he will still end up elsewhere. And Taira sounds perfect for the Moneybags Dodgers!

I’d love to see them both in Giants uniforms but I’m tired of the let downs. So color me skeptical.

[u/Deep_Commission8741]

Let’s not do this to ourselves this year…

[u/musicisalluneed]

Keep in mind that the ball used in the NPB is smaller and tackier than the one used in the MLB. It's much harder for pitchers to come over to the MLB from NPB than it is the other way around. Look at Imai. He couldn't pitch his way out of a paper bag as a starter. He was moved to the bullpen and faired better, but he struggled to throw strikes. Meaning, he ain't closer material. His $56 million 3 yr deal is expensive for a middle reliever.

The Giants need starters & relievers who throw strikes. They have too many pitchers like Walker & Beck who have stuff, but don't have consistency and can't get hitters out. They also don't need to gamble on a player who hasn't proven himself in the MLB.

Now, if the Giants' international scouts believe in one of these guys and makes a strong offer, cool. I'm all for it. I just want to see them sign the best pitchers that they possibly can, whoever they are, wherever they come from.