The competition for Kazuma Okamoto is almost done, as he has to sign by Jan. 4. It sounds like it’s a battle between the San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates, Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Angels and Boston Red Sox.
While multiple teams have shown interest, those five squads are the most realistic landing spots for the Japanese slugger.
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the right-handed hitter has multiple suitors.
“The Pirates, Red Sox, Padres, Mariners and Angels have all been connected to Okamoto, who is considered a better defender than the younger Murakami,” Feinsand wrote. “He could realistically play first or third base in the Majors, giving him a wider range of clubs to consider.”
That defensive versatility is exactly why he makes sense for Boston and San Diego.
For the Padres, Okamoto offers a player to add an impact bat without worrying about his position.
Whether it’s first base or third, he’d give San Diego lineup flexibility while still providing elite offensive skills.
Boston’s interest makes the most sense, depending on what happens with Alex Bregman.
The Red Sox have been linked to multiple players to play either corner infield spot, even after trading for Willson Contreras, and Okamoto fits at either position.
With both teams able to have a chance to win and play, this could come down to what he wants to do.
Perhaps being in California will help the Padres in this scenario due to its proximity to Japan.
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