Angels, Padres Among MLB Teams Eyeing Kazuma Okamoto This Winter

This article digs into the rising MLB interest in Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto as his posting window ticks down. There’s a real focus on how teams like the Padres and Angels might use him, plus some speculation about the contract he could land.

We’ll look at Okamoto’s numbers in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), some of the scouting chatter, and how the market might shape his next move.

MLB Teams Circle Kazuma Okamoto as Posting Deadline Nears

The clock’s running out on Okamoto’s 45-day posting window, which ends January 4. He’s become one of the most talked-about international free agents lately.

Francys Romero of BeisbolFR says the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Angels are especially interested. The Pittsburgh Pirates keep popping up in rumors, too.

Other teams—like the Blue Jays and Red Sox—are keeping an eye on things. But they’ve got their hands full chasing bigger MLB names, so who knows how serious they’ll get?

Timing and budgets might decide where Okamoto lands more than anything else.

A Proven Power Bat from Japan

Even though he played just 69 Central League games this year, Okamoto’s season for the Yomiuri Giants was electric. In 293 plate appearances, the 29-year-old tore it up with a .327/.416/.598 slash and a wild 210 wRC+.

He’s no one-year wonder. Since his 2018 debut, Okamoto’s been one of NPB’s top sluggers, carrying a career .277/.361/.521 line. He’s never hit fewer than 27 home runs in a full season.

Scouting Report: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Defensive Fit

Scouts see Okamoto as a well-rounded hitter. His power goes to all fields, and he’s patient at the plate, walking nearly 10% of the time while keeping the strikeouts in check.

Still, there’s some worry about how he’ll handle top-tier MLB fastballs. That could shape the kind of deal he gets and how teams plan his jump to the majors.

Corner Infield Flexibility Adds Value

Okamoto looks like a solid third baseman and has logged plenty of time at first. That flexibility gives teams options, depending on what they need right now.

It’s a big reason so many clubs see him as someone who can help right away, not just a project for down the road.

• Decent defender at third base
• Capable of handling first base regularly
• Right-handed bat with middle-of-the-order potential

How Okamoto Fits with the Angels and Padres

The Angels could drop Okamoto right into third base. With Yoan Moncada hitting free agency and Anthony Rendon’s career looking iffy, Los Angeles is pretty thin there.

Okamoto would be a clear step up over guys like Oswald Peraza or Vaughn Grissom.

For the Padres, it’s a different story. Manny Machado owns third, so San Diego likely sees Okamoto at first base.

They need a right-handed power bat, especially after Luis Arraez left. Okamoto fits that bill pretty well, at least on paper.

Contract Projections and Market Pressure

MLB Trade Rumors thinks Okamoto could land a four-year, $64 million contract. That actually sounds pretty fair, considering his age and what he brings to the table.

The Angels and Padres both have payroll headaches right now. That might keep them from making a big splash.

If Toronto or Boston miss out on stars like Alex Bregman or Bo Bichette, they might suddenly go after Okamoto harder. For now, though, the Padres, Angels, and even the Pirates still have a shot as January 4 creeps closer.

 
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