"NPB infielder Kazuma Okamoto will be posted for MLB clubs this offseason, according to an announcement made by the Yomiuri Giants and Okamoto himself during a press conference earlier today. Yahoo Sports Japan (Japanese language link) was among the outlets to report on the news, which comes on the heels of reporting last month that Okamoto was expected to be posted this winter."
"Despite that previous reporting, the 29-year-old Okamoto's was not viewed as a certain thing due in part to Yomiuri's history of being reluctant to allow their star players to utilize the posting system. Okamoto certainly fits that description, seeing as he's the club's captain and a six-time All-Star with two Gold Gloves and three NPB home run titles to his name."
"He was limited to just 69 Central League games this year due to an elbow injury caused by a collision at first base, but in the 293 trips to the plate he managed to take he raked to the tune of a .327/.416/.598 slash line. He managed 15 homers, 21 doubles, and a triple in less than half a full season's work with identical 11.3% strikeout and walk rates."
The Yomiuri Giants and Kazuma Okamoto held a press conference confirming Okamoto will be posted for MLB clubs this offseason. Okamoto is 29, serves as the Giants' captain, is a six-time All-Star, two-time Gold Glove winner, and three-time NPB home run leader. Yomiuri has historically been reluctant to allow star players to use the posting system, making this move notable. Okamoto was limited to 69 Central League games this year after an elbow injury sustained in a collision at first base. In 293 plate appearances he hit .327/.416/.598 with 15 homers, 21 doubles, one triple, and identical 11.3% strikeout and walk rates.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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