Hanshin Tigers ace starter Hiroto Saiki has decided to forgo the posting process; he previously shut down the Dodgers’ lineup in a preseason game.

Hiroto Saiki, one of the Hanshin Tigers’ two aces in Japan’s NPB, has officially decided to abandon his plan to challenge MLB through the posting system this winter. According to sources, although the team announced on October 31 that they would not allow him to go, Saiki initially expressed a strong desire to move to the U.S., but after thorough discussions with his agent, he ultimately chose to remain with the team for the 2026 season.

It is reported that Saiki has clearly communicated his decision to stay with the team and postponed his MLB challenge plans until next offseason. This means he will fully focus on preparing for the new season, continuing to be a key part of Hanshin’s starting rotation.

Just turned 27, Saiki recently appeared at the team’s office in Nishinomiya City, marking his first public appearance since the team’s announcement not to post him. When asked about his unfulfilled MLB challenge, he modestly replied, “Posting is the team’s right; I have nothing more to add.”

Although missing the chance to join MLB, Saiki remains positive and emphasized his focus on preparing for the upcoming season. “During this offseason, I want to absorb new knowledge. The team has given me plenty of autonomy, and I hope to learn more, meet people from various fields, and continue improving myself.”

In this year’s preseason game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Saiki pitched five scoreless innings, striking out seven batters and twice retiring his senior Shohei Ohtani, drawing attention from MLB teams. This season, he appeared in 24 games, recording a 12-6 win-loss record, striking out 122 batters over 157 innings, with an ERA of 1.55 and a WHIP of 1.06.