Kazuma Okamoto’s clock is running out as the market heats up

Kazuma Okamoto is running out of time and so are the teams interested in him.

With one week left before his Jan. 4 posting deadline, the Japanese infielder is forcing clubs to decide.

The Padres and Angels are among the teams that have shown interest in Okamoto, according to Francys Romero of BeisbolFR, with the Pirates also frequently linked. Others have checked in as well, but the clock is now the defining factor. Once the posting window closes, Okamoto is no longer an option, and teams that passed will not get another look.

 Just days before his own posting window closed earlier this winter, Japanese star Munetaka Murakami finalized a deal with the Chicago White Sox. Murakami’s situation underscored a familiar reality of the posting system. The decisions tend to come late, and teams willing to act decisively can separate themselves from clubs still waiting on other markets to resolve.

Okamoto, 29, is coming off a shortened but explosive season with NPB’s Yomiuri Giants, hitting .327/.416/.598 in 69 games. That half-season surge came with a 210 wRC+, 15 home runs, and nearly identical strikeout and walk rates. While scouts have raised questions about his ability to handle premium velocity, his larger body of work remains impressive. Since debuting in 2018, Okamoto has never hit fewer than 27 home runs in a season and owns a career .277/.361/.521 slash line in Japan.

The fit varies by club.

In Anaheim, third base is wide open following Yoan Moncada’s departure and with Anthony Rendon’s future effectively unresolved. The Angels have been quiet this winter, but that silence could also signal room to act. In San Diego, the path would likely be at first base, where the Padres are light on right-handed power following Luis Arraez’s exit and remain mindful of budget constraints.

The Pirates loom as a potential wild card. Pittsburgh has been unusually aggressive this offseason and has a clear need at third base, making Okamoto a logical target if the club is willing to act decisively.

What seems increasingly likely is that Okamoto will sign before the top of the infield market resolves. Teams chasing Alex Bregman or Bo Bichette may prefer to wait, but doing so carries risk.