Kazuma Okamoto Landing Spots: 3 teams primed to pounce on Japanese IF after Munetaka Murakami's $34,000,000 MLB deal

It has been tough going for top Japanese free agents in what has been a relatively slow offseason in general. Slugger Munetaka Murakami had to settle for a short-term two-year, $34 million contract with a bottom-dwelling team like the Chicago White Sox, only a few days before his posting deadline.

His other compatriots also have little time before their 45-day window closes. Chance to sign infielder Kazuma Okamoto runs out on Jan. 4. MLB insider Jon Heyman listed six teams that require infielders and are being linked to Okamoto.

Here's taking a look at the three with the best chances:

#1, Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates have shown all the signs of looking to get better as a collective, especially as Paul Skenes' trade rumors continue to float. They brought in Brandon Lowe via a three-team trade and signed pitcher Gregory Soto.

The Pirates were involved in the sweepstakes for Kyle Schwarber and Jorge Polanco. With 248 home runs in 11 seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), Okamoto is a consistent power hitter at the plate with a similar batting profile. His four-year, $64 million contract projection falls in the perfect range for Pittsburgh.

#2, Los Angeles Angels

Trading Taylor Ward means that the Angels need to sign a slugger to balance the loss in production. The Angels have been linked to New York Mets' Mark Vientos as a probable third baseman. Instead of taking on Vientos' contract, the Angels could fill the gap with a fresh face like Okamoto.

Despite their playoff drought, the city of Los Angeles remains a hotspot for Japanese players making the switch to the United States. Okamoto could be interested in a short-term contract like Murakami's, giving him the time to prove himself to the big market players before hitting free agency again.

Edited by R. Nikhil Parshy