The Japanese third baseman was placed on Nov. 19, giving interested teams 45 days to negotiate a contract. Although he is four years older than fellow countryman and third baseman Munetaka Murakami, Okamoto may have a higher floor. He has been praised not only because of his impressive strength, but also because of his ability to make contact and put the ball on the ball. Okamoto has been solid against higher octane fastballs and may have a shorter adjustment period than expected.
The biggest question is where Okamoto will play defensively. He is considered to have below-average range and a fringe arm at third base. However, he is also considered agile around third and can get to his feet quickly to make throws. Okamoto has spent time in first and outfield during his time with the Yomiuri Giants, giving interested teams some defensive flexibility.
Okamoto is one of the more intriguing players available in free agency. Let’s look at three possible landing spots.
Three potential landing spots for Kazuma Okamoto in free agency
1. Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates have emerged as one of the more interesting teams this offseason. Ownership is reportedly willing to spend on the selection, although the motivations for doing so may be questionable. The Pirates showed they are serious about improving the roster by making a move on first baseman Josh Naylor in free agency and are clearly looking to make moves.
Third base is a particular area of ​​need in Pittsburgh. Ke’Bryan Hayes never lived up to expectations and was traded to the Reds. Jared Triolo is currently the only third baseman listed Depth chart for pirates; he posted a .227/.311/.356 batting line with seven home runs and 18 doubles over 376 plate appearances. Okamoto would be a definite upgrade offensively, potentially giving the Pirates a necessary power hitter in the middle of the lineup.
2. Sailors of Seattle
Third base was a concern for the Mariners through the first part of 2025, leading to their trade for Eugenio Suarez. Suarez is now a free agent and may not return to Seattle. Utility man Leo Rivas is currently on top of the depth map third (and second for that matter), but is best served in a backup role. Ben Williamson would also be an option, as he is excellent defensively at third, but his batting line of .253/.294/.310 with one homer and 13 doubles over 295 plate appearances doesn’t exactly inspire confidence that he can hit enough to be a viable option.
Okamoto could possibly be the opposite player. While he’s unlikely to produce at the same rate as Suarez, Okamoto could once again be a solid player to help stretch the lineup. Adding Okamoto to a lineup that includes catcher Cal Raleigh, outfielders Julio Rodriguez and Randy Arozarena and first baseman Josh Naylor could make the Mariners favorites to repeat as AL West champions.
3. San Diego Padres
Unlike the other teams on the list, the Padres already have their answer at third base locked down. Manny Machado is signed for the 2033 season and is still a steady presence in the lineup. However, first base is wide open as Luis Arraez and Ryan O’Hearn are both free agents.
The Padres are reportedly interested in retaining Arraez, but despite being an elite contact hitter, he doesn’t provide much power. Arraez is also best suited defensively for the designated hitter spot in the lineup. Okamoto would give the Padres a potentially more dangerous lineup, combining with Machado and outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. as a formidable trio. The Padres need to fill several holes as they look to keep pace with the Dodgers. Adding Okamoto would be a step in that direction.
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