MLB groups in search of to improve at nook infield or add beginning pitching will certainly be monitoring the worldwide market this offseason, with several stars from Japan’s NPB potentially becoming available. None of those gamers carry the identical star-potential as Dodgers two-way famous person Shohei Ohtani, however there could also be fierce competitors from groups seeking to land their subsequent star.
One of many largest names regarded as out there, nevertheless, might not be hitting the market. Yomiuri Giants third baseman Kazuma Okamoto is not going to be posted by the group in keeping with a report from Francys Romero.
There have been by no means any certainties that the Giants would make Okamoto out there this winter, because the membership has lengthy been one of many NPB’s most reluctant groups to make use of the posting system. Nonetheless, the choice is considerably stunning given how vocal Okamoto has been about his need to play within the main leagues. He’ll attain free company a yr from now and might be free to signal with an MLB group then, with Yomiuri receiving nothing in return.
Primarily a 3rd baseman, Okamoto has seen ample time throughout the diamond at first base, as effectively, the place some scouts imagine he’s the higher defender. Okamoto has hit .277/.361/.521 over his 11-year profession with the Giants, hitting 212 doubles and 248 residence runs. He missed a while this previous season following a collision on the bases, however nonetheless posted the bottom strikeout fee of his profession.
MLB curiosity in Kazuma Okamoto is just not new
MLB groups have been scouting the 29-year-old since no less than 2023. He hit a key residence run off of Rockies left-hander Kyle Freeland throughout Japan’s 3-2 win over the US within the championship sport of the final World Baseball Traditional.
No particular MLB groups have been related to curiosity in Okamoto, however a number of groups — together with the Boston Pink Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, Seattle Mariners, Detroit Tigers, and others — might be trying so as to add a bat at first or third base this offseason. Extra groups, just like the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs, might additionally get within the combine with different items shifting round.
