A Second Elite Japanese Slugger To Enter MLB Free Agency (1.027 OPS)
Following the news earlier this month that a one-time 56-HR hitter Munetaka Murakami will be posted by the Yakult Swallows and be open for bidding in free agency by MLB teams, we now get news that another elite Japanese slugger will also be posted, and coming to North America this offseason.
The Yomiuri Giants granted Kazuma Okamoto permission to pursue a move to MLB this offseason through the posting system, the team announced.
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 22, 2025
The 29-year-old from Japan has 247 home runs over 11 seasons in NPB and has primarily played first and third base. pic.twitter.com/pUlVnA2Ui5
The Yomiuri Giants have announced that Kazuma Okamoto will be allowed to be posted. The corner infielder has slugged 248 homers in his 11 seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball, with an .882 OPS and a .521 slugging percentage. He has a career slash line of .277/.361/.521.
Okamoto posted a 1.278 OPS in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, including a big homer in the Final against the U.S.
2025 was an injury-marred season for him, as he played just 69 games. He batted .327 with 15 home runs, 49 RBIs and 33 walks to 33 strikeouts. He had a 1.027 OPS.
Okamoto is a six-time All-Star with two Gold Gloves and three NPB home run titles.
