Pitcher Kona Takahashi’s posting period expires, his rights remain with Seibu Lions

By: The Associated Press Posted: 5:37 PM CST Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026 Last Modified: 9:32 PM CST Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026

NEW YORK (AP) — Japanese pitcher Kona Takahashi did not reach an agreement with a Major League Baseball team before his posting period expired Sunday and his rights remained with the Pacific League’s Saitama Seibu Lions.

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A right-hander who turns 29 on Feb. 3, Takahashi was 8-9 with a 3.04 ERA last year for the Lions, striking out 88 and walking 41 in 148 innings. He had gone 0-11 with a 3.87 ERA in 2024 after compiling a 22-16 record in the prior two seasons.

Takahashi is 73-77 with a 3.39 ERA in 11 seasons with the Lions.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb