In February of 2023, star slugger Kazuma Okamoto was clubbing home runs for the World Baseball Classic champion Samurai Japan team on a global stage. In 2026, he could be popping bombs over the green monster for the Boston Red Sox. 

He may not be the biggest name in the free agent class this offseason. He isn’t even the most prominent star who will be posted out of Japan. But Okamoto might be in the sweet spot as the Sox look to add a new power threat to their lineup while still building around their young core. 

Who is he?
Okamoto has been one of the more prolific sluggers in Nippon Professional Baseball over the last eight years. His calling card has been his raw power throughout his career, with 248 home runs swatted for the Yomiuri Giants over that span; that included a stretch of six consecutive seasons with at least 30 homers to start his career. He came just short of extending that streak in 2024 when he slugged 27 round-trippers, and he was on pace to accomplish the feat again in 2025 before being limited to 69 games played due to nagging injuries. 

MLB evaluators laud the 29-year-old’s impressive right-handed swing, with eye-popping raw power that they expect to translate to in-game pop at the major league level. His pure hit tool may not match the upside that he brings with his raw power, but scouts still think he can get on base at a decent clip with a mostly polished approach. 

His fielding ability hasn’t been a particular standout strength. Still, Okamoto does have a bit of positional flexibility, with most of his recent play at first base, regular reps at the hot corner, and occasional time in the outfield. He probably won’t win any Gold Glove awards, but he should be suitable as a corner infielder who can spend some time in left field when needed. If there is one deficiency to his game, speed is certainly lacking, both in the field and on the base paths.

Before injuries plagued his 2025 campaign, Okamoto was quite the iron man, playing in at least 140 out of 143 games in six out of his seven seasons in the NPB. 

How Would He Fit With the Red Sox?
The Sox already have an intriguing incumbent first baseman who has pop in his bat in the form of Triston Casas. But durability has been an issue for the 26-year-old over the last two seasons. He was limited to 85 games between Triple-A and the big leagues in 2024 and played only 29 games for the Red Sox last year before rupturing his patellar tendon, requiring season-ending surgery. All signs point to his recovery being on schedule, but his availability for Opening Day in 2026 remains uncertain. 
Okamoto could be a starting-caliber replacement in the meantime, and when Casas eventually returns, they could be a formidable platoon duo as he eases back into action. Okamoto could also slide to third from time to time, with Marcelo Meyer taking over at shortstop. An occasional spot start in left field might also make sense, although the current depth chart shows that to be a pretty crowded picture for Boston at the moment. 

The potential contract for Okamoto will also be of interest to Sox fans to track. On the one hand, he should have a decent market given his offensive profile and strong track record. On the other hand, he’s heading into his age-30 season, he’s coming off an injury-marred campaign, and he will likely command less than fellow Japanese star Munetaka Murakami and current secondary MLB free agents such as Cody Bellinger and Josh Naylor. A fair comp might be current Red Sox slugger Masataka Yoshida, who signed a five-year, $90 million deal heading into the 2023 season at 29, though that might be on the high end for someone like Okamoto. 

But if the Red Sox want to add a right-handed bat with plus power and a good track record, they could certainly do a lot worse than Okamoto, and they likely wouldn’t have to dole out a mega deal that limits their long-term viability.

What do you think? Should the Red Sox try to sign Kazuma Okamoto? Who else do you think they should go after in free agency or on the trade market? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section, and as always, stay sweet.Â