Will the Nationals be in play for this recently posted Japanese infielder?
Briefly

Will the Nationals be in play for this recently posted Japanese infielder?
"Japanese star, Kazuma Okamoto, is being posted by his club, the Yomiuri Giants. This is huge news as the MLB will get a shot at another NPB phenom. Many clubs will take interest and it is possible that a bidding war will go down. An early name with commanding hype is the Boston Red Sox. The Nationals would surely be a longshot, but anything can happen."
"Okamoto has been in the NPB for 11 years now. However, he began his career at the young age of 19. At 29, he still has elite years yet to be played and potentially that may be in the MLB. With the major league club, Okamoto had the best year of his career in 2025. He batted .322 with an OPS of 1.014. In 69 games, he had 15 Home Runs, 33 Walks, and 49 RBI's."
"What can be expected of Okamoto is that he is a slugger. The hitting comparison could suggested to be George Springer, Spencer Torkleson, Austin Riley, and Manny Machado. As for his fielding, Okamoto is a corner infielder that can play 1st and 3rd base. Common Japanese comparisons that have been floated have been Seiya Suzuki and the other incoming Japanese prospect, Munataka Murakami."
Kazuma Okamoto has been posted by the Yomiuri Giants and will explore MLB opportunities, likely generating heavy interest and potential bidding wars. Okamoto is 29 and began his professional career at 19, accumulating 11 NPB seasons with six All-Star selections, two Gold Gloves and three home run titles. In 2025 he hit .322 with a 1.014 OPS across 69 games, totaling 15 home runs, 33 walks and 49 RBIs. He profiles as a corner infielder who can play first and third base and projects as a power hitter. Early market estimates place potential AAV near $10–20M and long-term deals appear unlikely; team interest and translation risk will shape final offers.
Read at District on Deck
Unable to calculate read time
[
|
]