Seibu Lions Signed Indian Pitcher Akshay More as a Development Player
First Indian Player to Sign a Professional Contract with an NPB Club
TOKOROZAWA, Japan, Jul 27, 2026, ZEX PR WIRE — SEIBU LIONS, INC. (Head Office: Tokorozawa, Saitama; President & CEO: Tsuyoshi Okumura) is pleased to announce that Indian pitcher Akshay More has signed with the club as a development player for the 2026 season as part of the organization’s Global Strategy initiative.
This marks the first time an Indian player has signed a professional contract with a Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) club, representing an important milestone for both the Lions and the continued global growth of baseball.
With a 194-cm, 88-kg frame, More possesses outstanding athleticism and delivers from a smooth, repeatable motion. He features a lively fastball that reaches the high 140s km/h, complemented by a sharp forkball. During the club’s tryout in June, Lions scouts were highly impressed by his long-term upside. Although he has only six years of baseball experience, his sincere attitude toward the game and commitment to continuous improvement were key factors in the club’s decision to sign him as a development player.
Launched in November 2025, the Seibu Lions Global Strategy is designed to identify and develop international talent with the potential to succeed in NPB while expanding the club’s global player pipeline. Building on the club’s long-standing expertise in player development, the Lions aim not only to strengthen the organization but also to contribute to the continued growth of baseball around the world. More’s profile is provided below.
