Kazuma Okamoto Landing Spots: 3 teams Japanese slugger could sign with

The Yomiuri Giants posted Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto to the MLB on Thursday. Teams will have an opportunity to sign him till January 4 in the 45-day window.

Okamoto has been one of the most consistent at-bats in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league. He recorded 27 to 41 home runs in each NPB season from 2018 to 2024, and still boasts a .277 career average.

Okamoto could only manage 77 games this past season due to a shoulder injury. But in that short span, he hit a career high .322 average and .922 OPS. He has mostly played as a third baseman in his career, but also switched over to the other corner when needed.

Several teams will be interested in signing his services. Okamoto, who will be aged 29 on Opening Day, brings a strong on-base potential backed by a strong power game.

New York Mets

The New York Mets rotated between Mark Vientos, 69 games started at third base, Brett Baty, 60 games started, and Ronny Mauricio, 32 games started, in the position in 2025. The plan didn't materialize with Baty batting the best amongst the three with a .254 average.

The team is looking to re-sign Pete Alonso in free agency and adding someone like Okamoto could also be key to unleashing more from the infield. But if the Mets are unable to get Alonso, Okamoto could be a potential temporary backup.

Los Angeles Angels

Like the Mets, the Angels split their 3B duties between Yoán Moncada and Luis Rengifo in 2025, both of whom are heading into free agency. The Halos are also unlikely to sign either of them back, with Rengifo hitting at .238 in 147 games, Moncada hitting at .234 in 84 games.

Okamoto will definitely be an upgrade for the infield that is running thin in depth currently. The Angels have also lost offensive power in the form of the Taylor Ward trade to the Baltimore Orioles, and require some support for Taylor Ward in the diamond.

Seattle Mariners

The Mariners currently have Ben Williamson slated to start in the hot corner on Opening Day. He hit at .253 in 85 games played. Williamson did record a 1.1 defensive WAR, but Okamoto does have a high .977 fielding percentage in his NPB career in 662 games played.

The Mariners' first choice will be to get back Eugenio Suarez in free agency but if that deal doesn't materialize, Okamoto is a likely option in their expected price range.

Edited by R. Nikhil Parshy