Three potential landing spots for Japanese star Kazuma Okamoto

Kazuma Okamoto has been on the radar for major league teams over the past couple of seasons. He may get his chance to show what he can do stateside in 2026.

The Japanese third baseman was posted on Nov. 19, giving interested teams 45 days to negotiate a contract. While he is four years older than fellow countryman and third baseman Munetaka Murakami, Okamoto may have a higher floor. He has been lauded not only for his impressive power but also for his ability to make contact and put the barrel on the ball. Okamoto has been solid against higher octane fastballs and may have less of an adjustment period than expected.

The biggest question is where Okamoto will play defensively. He is considered to have below average range and a fringy arm at third base. However, he is also regarded as nimble around third and can quickly get to his feet to make throws. Okamoto has spent time at first and the in outfield during his time with the Yomiuri Giants, providing interested teams with some defensive flexibility.

Okamoto is one of the more intriguing players available in free agency. Let's take a 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 roster, although the motivations for doing so may be questionable. The Pirates showed that they are serious about improving the roster by taking a run at 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 on the Pirates depth chart; he posted a .227/.311/.356 batting line with seven homers and 18 doubles over 376 plate appearances. Okamoto would be a decided upgrade offensively, potentially giving the Pirates a needed middle-of-the-lineup power hitter. 

2. Seattle Mariners

Third base was a concern for the Mariners over the first part of 2025, leading to their trading for Eugenio Suarez. Suarez is now a free agent and may not return to Seattle. Utility man Leo Rivas is currently atop the depth chart at third (and second for that matter) but is best served in a backup role. Ben Williamson would also be an option as he is stellar defensively at third, but his .253/.294/.310 batting line with one homer and 13 doubles over 295 plate appearances does not exactly inspire confidence that he can hit enough to be a viable option.

Okamoto would potentially be the opposite player. Although he is unlikely to produce at the same rate as Suarez, Okamoto could be another solid bat to help lengthen the lineup. Adding Okamoto to a lineup featuring 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 have their answer at third base already locked up. Manny Machado is signed through the 2033 season and has continued to be a steady presence in the lineup. First base, however, 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, pairing with Machado and outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. as a formidable trio. The Padres have several holes to fill as they look to keep pace with the Dodgers - adding Okamoto would be a step in that direction.