Padres projected to bolster lineup by adding this well-decorated slugger

Jared Bloom

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Padres projected to bolster lineup by adding this well-decorated slugger image

The San Diego Padres come into the offseason with a ton of needs. They are facing significant losses to their starting rotation with Dylan Cease and Michael King on the open market and Yu Darvish being out for the 2026 season after undergoing elbow surgery. 

Expect this club to be aggressive in their talks for a starting pitcher or two, but that is not the only hole they have. They could also use a slugger at first base and DH, and could use more depth at catcher. 

It will be interesting to see how San Diego navigates the offseason. Especially with the Seidler family potentially looking to sell the team. 

Padres projected to bolster lineup by adding this well-decorated slugger

While much of the fanbase will be looking at the starting pitching market, the Padres could surprise many by signing a well-sought-after slugger to fill their hole at first base. Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter believes this will be the case, and the club will sign Kazuma Okamoto. 

"Much of the attention on the international market has gone to Munetaka Murakami and Tatsuya Imai, but corner infielder Kazuma Okamoto also has impact potential. The 29-year-old had six straight 30-homer seasons for the Yomiuri Giants, and is a career.274/.355/.501 hitter with 277 long balls in 11 seasons."

Okamoto is well-known in Japan. Since 2015, he has become a six-time NPB All-Star, Central League Climax Series MVP, three-time Central League home run leader, two-time Central League RBI leader, and two-time Mitsui Golden Glove Award winner. 

Not only can Okamoto get it done with the bat, but he also has a good glove. He could be a perfect transition for the team if Luis Arraez decides to sign elsewhere over the winter.

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Staff Writer