3 Teams are Top Suitors for Star Japanese Infielder with 1.014 OPS

There are two remaining Japanese stars in free agency, but their posting windows are fast coming to a close. Pitcher Tatsuya Imai's MLB window closes on January 2nd, while Kazuma Okamoto's closes just two days later, on January 4th. That's only a week away.

For the latter, a skilled & power hitting infielder, Okamoto will return to the Yomiuri Giants in Japan if he is not signed by that date.

The latest reports have three teams of note in the chase to sign the 29-year-old.

The Padres, Pirates, and Angels have been three of the teams that have shown interest in Japanese third baseman Kazuma Okamoto, per sources.
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) December 28, 2025

According to Francys Romero, the San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Los Angeles Angels are the teams with interest in Okamoto.

The 11-year NPB veteran had six consecutive years of at least 30+ home runs with 90-100 RBIs from 2018 through 2023. In 2024, that was down only a shade, to 27 HR and 83 RBIs, but this past season he faced an injury-riddled year, and played just 69 games in the Central League. He did hit .327 with a 1.014 OPS, 15 home runs (a 30-HR pace) and a career-best .416 on-base percentage.

The corner infielder combines consistent power with good plate discipline as well as defensive versatility (he can also play the outfield). He's a six-time All-Star in the NPB.

Three teams in the fight to sign Okamoto with 2 others lurking

The Angels would use Okamoto at his natural third base, with the likely departure of Yoan Moncada in free agency, and the merciful retirement of the indifferent, callous, and overpaid Anthony Rendon.

The hot corner is spoken for in San Diego, of course, with Manny Machado on hand, so Okamoto, were he to sign there, could handle first base for the Padres.

The Pirates, who have been unusually active this offseason, could use Okamoto's hitting in their lineup no matter where he plays. They could use help at both infield corners and the outfield as well.

Don't count out the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox from the Okamoto sweepstakes either, as each team is looking for another infielder, and a solid bat to add to their lineup.