Kazuma Okamoto Visits U.S. for MLB In-Person Meetings

Kazuma Okamoto’s possible jump from Nippon Professional Baseball to Major League Baseball is shaping up as one of this offseason’s most fascinating storylines.

The longtime Yomiuri Giants slugger has started drawing serious interest in the United States. Teams are weighing his elite offensive consistency against his age, health, and where he’d fit defensively.

With his posting window almost up, the race to sign one of Japan’s most reliable power bats feels more real than ever.

Kazuma Okamoto Tests the MLB Market

After more than a decade as the heart of the Yomiuri Giants’ lineup, Okamoto has taken his first big step toward MLB.

The 29-year-old third baseman recently flew to the United States for face-to-face meetings as his 45-day posting clock ticks down toward early January.

He’s represented by Scott Boras, which tends to signal serious business. Now, Okamoto’s market is narrowing, and several clubs look like true contenders rather than just curious onlookers.

Teams Most Heavily Linked So Far

According to industry chatter, these clubs are leading the way:

A Proven Slugger With Remarkable Consistency

Not many hitters in Japan can match Okamoto’s steady production. Over 11 NPB seasons, he’s hit at least 30 home runs nine times, which is pretty wild in any league.

His career slash line sits at .277/.361/.522, showing off both his power and his knack for getting on base.

Even in what folks called a “down” year in 2025, Okamoto proved he still has middle-of-the-order upside. Injuries limited him to just 69 games, and he finished with a career-low 15 homers.

But if you look past the surface, the advanced numbers tell a different story.

Why 2025 Was Actually One of His Best Seasons

In 293 plate appearances, Okamoto hit .327/.416/.598, notching his best rate stats as a pro.

His plate discipline really stood out—an 11.3% walk rate and the same strikeout rate. He posted a 24.3% line-drive rate and a .271 isolated power mark, both among his career bests and only trailing his huge 41-homer season in 2023.

Defense, Age, and Positional Questions

Despite the big bat, Okamoto’s market isn’t without some wrinkles. Like fellow Japanese star Munetaka Murakami, teams aren’t sure if Okamoto can really handle third base defensively in MLB.

Some scouts see him as a better defender with less swing-and-miss than Murakami, but his value might depend on his ability to play both corner infield spots. He’ll turn 30 next June, which probably means a shorter contract than what younger international stars get.

How Team Fit Shapes the Market

Each team in the mix has its own roster puzzle to solve:

Potential Dark Horses and the Posting Deadline

Beyond the early favorites, a handful of teams could still jump into the mix—if they can get creative with their rosters and finances. Clubs like the A’s, Mariners, Twins, Rangers, Diamondbacks, Marlins, Mets, Cubs, and Nationals all face some level of uncertainty at the corners.

But let’s be real, time’s running out. Okamoto’s posting window opened on Nov. 21, so any deal has to get done by Jan. 4.

The signing team will owe the Yomiuri Giants a tiered posting fee: 20% of the first $25 million, then 17.5% of the next $25 million, and 15% of anything above that.

 
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