Giants scout Japanese pitchers Itoh, Taira amid posting uncertainty

[SportsMafia Wire]

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The San Francisco Giants are among multiple clubs evaluating Japanese right-handers Hiromi Itoh and Kaima Taira ahead of an uncertain posting window this offseason.

Itoh and Taira are expected to be posted in early November, though the 45-day window to negotiate with major league teams could be disrupted by a looming work stoppage. A transactions freeze is set to begin December 1 if a new collective bargaining agreement is not reached.

At least 15 MLB teams have scouted Taira, while Itoh has also drawn plenty of interest. The Giants, in need of rotation help and relief reinforcements after a "leaky" bullpen, have increased their NPB scouting presence. However, Slusser noted that "the Giants haven't fared well in their pursuit of Japanese players in recent years." San Francisco missed out on Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki, both of whom signed with the Dodgers.

Taira carries a limited track record as a starter and could transition to the bullpen, while Itoh offers a more traditional rotation option.

Source: MLB Trade Rumors - Sat Oct 17, 12:14 PM ET

Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).