"The 29-year-old Okamoto is coming off a season where he appeared in just 69 Central League games for NPB's Yomiuri Giants. The infielder hit .327/.416/.598 in 293 trips to the plate for Yomiuri last year. That was good for an otherworldly 210 wRC+, as he slugged 15 homers with 21 doubles while posting identical 11.3% strikeout and walk rates. That scorching hot half-season isn't reflective of Okamoto's overall body of work, but his numbers are still impressive even over a larger sample."
"A decent defensive third baseman with plenty of experience at first base as well, Okamoto could make sense as an addition at either infield corner depending on the needs of his acquiring club. If he were to sign with the Angels, Okamoto would surely handle the hot corner. Yoan Moncada is a free agent after handling third for Anaheim this past year, and Anthony Rendon figures to retire after an injury-riddled career with the Angels."
Kazuma Okamoto, 29, is nearing the end of his 45-day NPB posting window which closes January 4, and has drawn interest from the Padres, Angels, and Pirates. Okamoto played 69 Central League games for the Yomiuri Giants last season, hitting .327/.416/.598 with 15 home runs, 21 doubles and a 210 wRC+ in 293 plate appearances. Since his 2018 debut he has never hit fewer than 27 homers in a season, maintains strong walk rates and generally low strikeout rates. He profiles as a corner infielder able to play third and first, and could fill open third-base opportunities, notably for the Angels.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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