"The 29-year-old Okamoto has been posted to MLB after spending the first 11 years of his pro career in Japan - and could project as a more affordable option at first base for a team like Boston, especially when contrasted with a pricier free-agent pickup like Pete Alonso. According to former MLB GM Jim Bowden, MLB evaluators project Okamoto as a first baseman at the big-league level - where he could hold value as a plus-defensive asset with solid pop and a low strikeout rate."
"A six-time All-Star in Japan, Okamoto posted six seasons of 30-plus home runs during his extended in NPB. Despite being limited to just 69 games in 2025 due to injuries, Okamoto still posted 15 home runs and 49 RBI. Even if Okamoto might be more of a 15-20-homer player in MLB, that solid pop is also complemented by strong plate discipline - as he has sported a 17.7 percent strikeout rate and a 10.7 percent walk rate in his pro career to this point."
The Red Sox have expressed significant interest in Kazuma Okamoto as they prioritize adding more infield power this offseason. Okamoto has been posted to MLB after 11 professional seasons in Japan and could serve as a more affordable first-base option compared with pricier free agents. Evaluators project him as a first baseman who offers plus defense, solid pop, and strong plate discipline. Okamoto is a six-time NPB All-Star with multiple 30-plus home run seasons, though injuries limited him to 69 games in 2025. His ceiling may be lower than Munetaka Murakami, but his contact skills and defense provide value.
Read at Boston.com
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