We may not know where Kazuma Okamoto is going to play in 2026, but one thing is clear: he’s not going to come cheap. The Japanese outfielder, who is reportedly set to be posted by the Yomiuri Giants this off-season, has hired renowned agent Scott Boras, according to baseball writer Francys Romero.
Okamoto, 29, has shown impressive versatility throughout his career, playing first base, third base, and outfield for the Giants. He is also a six-time Nippon League All-Star. Last season, he posted a .992 OPS along with 15 home runs in 314 plate appearances over 77 games for Yomiuri.
### Kazuma Okamoto Fits With The Yankees
It has been over 15 years since Hideki Matsui wore a New York Yankees uniform, and Matsui remains the only position player from Japan to both post and sign with the Yankees, despite the team signing pitchers like Masahiro Tanaka since then. Kazuma Okamoto, a right-handed hitter with 277 career home runs over a decade playing at the highest level of Japanese baseball, makes a compelling case as a potential fit for the Yankees.
Whether or not the Yankees re-sign Cody Bellinger, Okamoto offers an intriguing alternative. This past season, the Yankees used righty/lefty platoons at first and third base, but they will lose Paul Goldschmidt and Amed Rosario in free agency as both players are on expiring contracts. That creates a need for a right-handed hitting corner infielder who can spell Ryan McMahon and/or Ben Rice against left-handed pitching.
Okamoto could fill that role by playing 1-2 games per week at first or third base. Additionally, he could see 4-5 games per week in the outfield, likely in left field. A natural right fielder, Okamoto would provide valuable insurance in case of injury to MVP outfielder Aaron Judge.
Besides his defensive flexibility, Okamoto’s hitting profile is attractive. He offers a mix of power and contact hitting, with a steadily improving batting average over the past three seasons. Notably, he peaked with a .322 average for Yomiuri in 2025.
Okamoto is not the only Scott Boras client the Yankees may negotiate with this off-season. Cody Bellinger, also represented by Boras, remains a key piece in the Yankees’ roster considerations.
### The Yankees Will Have Competition Signing Kazuma Okamoto
While the Yankees may be an ideal fit for Kazuma Okamoto, they won’t face the market alone. The New York Mets, fresh off a disappointing season without a postseason appearance and potentially losing Pete Alonso in free agency, could pursue Okamoto aggressively. Mets owner Steve Cohen, known for his substantial payroll flexibility, notably outbid the Yankees to sign Juan Soto last year and could represent a major financial competitor.
Okamoto’s ability to play everyday at third base would be attractive to the Mets, who posted a team OPS of just .714 at that position last season.
Perhaps even more concerning for Yankees fans is reported interest from the rival Boston Red Sox. Boston could benefit from adding a right-handed hitting platoon partner for first baseman Tristan Casas. Moreover, Okamoto could seamlessly step in as a regular third baseman if Alex Bregman opts out and leaves in free agency this winter.
### Conclusion
Kazuma Okamoto’s impending entrance into Major League Baseball is shaping up to be one of this off-season’s most intriguing storylines. With his versatility, consistent hitting, and power, he fits several teams’ needs—most notably the Yankees, Mets, and Red Sox. As the posting process unfolds, the competition for Okamoto’s services will undoubtedly intensify, with Scott Boras leading negotiations for one of Japan’s top talents.
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