As a franchise, the Cleveland Guardians do not venture into the major league free agent market very much. They make even less use of those made available by the Japanese professional league, a pipeline that annually delivers high-profile players to the United States.
But according to a recent report, the Guardians may be about to change that approach. They could have their eyes on a top pitcher who is about to leave the Nippon Professional Baseball league.
Insider Joe Noga of Cleveland.com has named Japanese star Hiromi Itoh as a “realistic” target for the Guardians this offseason.
“Itoh won Japan’s equivalent of the Cy Young Award in 2025 before posting a 3.18 ERA with 159 strikeouts in 172 2/3 innings this past season. He isn’t overpowering, throws fastballs mostly in the low 90s, but his deep pitch mix and durability make him a potential fourth or fifth starter. Cleveland has young starting pitching depth, but a starter who can eat up innings has real value. Itoh might be a more realistic target than [pitcher Kaima] Taira, depending on the price,” Noga wrote.
ESPN projects a two-year, $18 million deal for Itoh, who is a 29-year-old right-hander who pitched in relief for Japan during the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Since his pro debut in 2021, he has 902 strikeouts with a 2.92 ERA in 1,000.2 innings.
Taira, a 5-foot-8 right-hander, was 12-5 with a 1.36 ERA and 141 strikeouts in 146 innings last season after moving from the bullpen back into Seibu’s rotation. With a 99 mph fastball and a varied arsenal, the 26-year-old saved 31 games in 2025.
The most coveted Japanese player available this offseason is likely to be third baseman Teruaki Sato. The left-handed power hitter would be a huge boost to the Guardians’ lineup after he won the Central League Triple Crown with a .309 batting average, 39 home runs and 106 RBIs, but he is likely to be well out of their price range.
The traditionally frugal organization may shy away from the Japanese posting process because, in addition to the player’s salary, an extra fee is required based on the contract’s guaranteed value. Cleveland has not signed anyone using it since 2007, when they gave relief pitcher Masahide Kobayashi a two-year deal.
Noga also lists right-handed pitcher Kona Takahashi as a possible target. He was posted last offseason but did not sign with an MLB club, so there would be no additional fee to acquire him.
With the negotiating window open until Dec. 16, Noga adds the caveat that, “As of right now, the Guardians have not been connected to any of the players listed above in any rumors or reports.”
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