.jpg)
1 hour ago
2
The Pittsburgh Pirates surprised everyone when they traded for Tampa Bay Rays slugger Brandon Lowe a few days ago. Now, they have a chance to do it again.
With Munetaka Murakami finally signed, Fansided’s Mark Powell believes the Pirates could be the team to land the other NPB slugger coming over, Kazuma Okamoto.
MORE: Yankees predicted to land $157 million NPB superstar ace due to Munetaka Murakami signing
“I don't know how Okamoto's skillset will transition to MLB, but the Pirates aren't in a position to choose between multiple options. The way I see it, Pittsburgh can either sign Okamoto to a favorable free-agent deal, or add Ryan O'Hearn. If Murakami's contract is any indication, Okamoto should come at a bargain, especially if he's willing to bet on himself…Pittsburgh just traded for Brandon Lowe, who has 30-plus home run power, even in PNC Park. Should they sign Okamoto, the Pirates lineup will have gone from a travesty to league-average overnight. That alone is worth Ben Cherington making the call,” Powell wrote.
In 11 NPB seasons, Okamoto has slashed .277/.361/.521/.882 with 212 doubles, 248 home runs, and 717 RBI in 1074 games played. Combine him with Lowe, and the Pirates have a solid heart of the order that can put the ball out of the park.
Okamoto is also projected to earn a four-year, $64 million contract. For the money-conscious Pirates, that would be the perfect pickup.
Hopefully, the Pirates start negotiations soon, as they only have until January 4th of 2026 to sign him.
MORE MLB NEWS
English (US)