1. Installing Windows lock for Okamoto, Takahashi:
The post windows for infielder Kazuma Okamoto and right-handed Kona Takahashi will both reach their conclusion on Sunday at 4:00 PM CT. That means both players will have to sign before then if they want to make the jump from NPB to MLB this year. Okamoto is the bigger name of the pair and will almost certainly sign a contract; He has been linked to the Padres, Angels, Pirates, Cubs, Blue Jays and Red Sox so far this offseason and could make sense for many clubs as a corner infielder who has shown an impressive mix of power and discipline during his NPB career. As for Takahashi, the right-hander reportedly has at least one MLB offer on the table, but could still opt to return to the NPB instead of playing in the Majors, which would be an understandable course of action if the MLB offer costs less than what he would make by staying in Japan. Takahashi is seen as more of an arm in the majors, with less upside than his compatriot Tatsuya Imai.
2. Astros 40-man move comes in:
Speaking of Imai, the right-hander reportedly agreed to terms with the Astros yesterday on a three-year deal that guarantees $54 million and allows him to opt out after the 2026 and ’27 seasons. That deal has yet to be made official, but will almost certainly go through later today as Imai’s post window closes at 4pm CT. Before the deal can be completed, however, Houston will have to create room for Imai on the 40-man roster. This can be done by simply designating a player for assignment, which is the most likely way to do this. That said, the Astros could also theoretically try to work out a small trade that creates 40-man roster space, as the Dodgers did earlier this week when they traded an outfielder. Esteury Ruiz to the Marlins for a prospect not yet on the 40-man roster.
3. DFA limbo comes to an end:
The new year is over and the baseball world looks to return to normal offseason form in the coming days. This means that the freeze on exemption threads that occurred over the holidays should end in the near future. As such, ten players who were in DFA limbo will see their situations resolved in the coming days, whether that be through direct action to the minors, the opportunity to opt for free agency, or a waiver claim by another club. MLBTR’s Darragh McDonald took a look at all ten players in limbo last week, including former top prospects Marco Luciano and 2024 Guardians playoff hero Jhonkensy Noel. What’s next for this collection of players?
#opener #Post #Windows #Astros #DFA #Limbo