Pirates dealt another blow in Kazuma Okamoto sweepstakes

"I can honesty say this one feels a lot like Imai where he ends up going to a team where it surprises a bunch of different people," Murray said on "The Baseball Insiders" podcast. "I know the Pirates had been connected to him but I can see a scenario where they try to spend the rest of their money on different positions on the roster. Whether it's another bat, a bullpen piece, and a starting pitcher. They could be creative there, but I don't think the Pirates are the most likely landing spot for Okamoto as of this point."

Murray seems dead-set on Okamoto passing up on both the Los Angeles Angels and Pirates. He named the San Diego Padres as a potential destination, though he wouldn't be surprised if it's another Tatsuya Imai situation where he goes to a team that hasn't ever seriously been brought up.

Pirates still have money to spend

One of the biggest things Murray mentioned was the fact that Pittsburgh still has money to spend. In reality, this could turn out to be a blessing in disguise. While adding Okamoto would've certainly turned things around and taken the stink off free agents and star players not going to Pittsburgh, it's not like their season is done without him.

With a need for another infielder along with additional depth in the outfield or among their pitching staff, the Pirates will be able to put this money to use. They haven't been linked to many players other than Okamoto, so it will be interesting to see what they have up their sleeve with the 2026 season rapidly approaching.