* PREDICTION *
The clock is ticking. There’s still plenty of time for teams to sign free agents, but there are a select few players who will be unavailable in the coming weeks.
This year’s crop of Japanese talent who were posted for MLB teams to sign is nearing the end of their 45-day negotiating windows. Munetaka Murakami and Tatsuya Imai are the bigger names available, followed by Kona Takahashi and Kazuma Okamoto.
Although Murakami steals the headlines with his raw power and MVP-caliber potential, Okamoto is just as viable an option for teams looking for infield help. Murakami may not even be an option soon, as his deadline to sign with an MLB team is Dec. 22. Okamoto, on the other hand, has until Jan. 4 to sign a contract with an MLB team.
If these players fail to reach an agreement with an MLB organization before their negotiation window closes, then they’ll be sent back to their respective Nippon Professional Baseball teams for the upcoming season. A player, like Okamoto, wouldn’t be eligible to be posted again until next offseason.
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Red Sox Face Infield Questions Heading Into 2026
The Boston Red Sox traded infielder Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants during the 2025 season, and All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman is a free agent this offseason. Although the Red Sox have a few in-house options at third and first base, the infield is a priority to address for the upcoming season.
Red Sox Should Sign Kazuma Okamoto
The Red Sox have been significantly linked to Okamoto’s NPB counterpart, Murakami, but it may be smarter to focus on Okamoto. Murakami is widely expected to receive a large contract due to his sheer potential, whereas Okamoto is a much more affordable option.
Okamoto suffered a significant elbow injury in 2025 that limited him to 69 games, but he still put together an impressive year. The 29-year-old slashed .327/.416/.598 with a 1.014 OPS, 21 doubles, one triple, 15 home runs, and 49 RBIs. He was on pace for 35 home runs and 115 RBIs in a 162-game MLB season.
The Red Sox, and any infield-needy team, could use Okamoto’s production in their lineup. The NPB doesn’t feature the same talent as the MLB, and it sometimes takes Japanese players time to adjust. However, Okamoto’s experience and skill set should make for a smooth transition.
Okamoto had an incredible stretch with the Yomiuri Giants from 2018 to 2024. He hit 30 or more home runs in six of the seven seasons, including a career-high 41 home runs in 2023.
Okamoto has an impressive resume across his 11-year NPB career. He’s a six-time All-Star, three-time Central League home run and two-time RBI leader, and two-time Mitsui Golden Glove Award recipient. Okamoto also played for Japan’s national team that beat the United States in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.Â
Not only has Okamoto had success both offensively and defensively, but he’s also proven to be versatile in the field. Although his primary position is third base, Okamoto has significant experience at first base and can play the outfield in a pinch.
If the Red Sox lose Bregman in free agency, then they’ll need an impact corner infielder. Okamoto may be the perfect option.
Kazuma Okamoto Career NPB Stats
Okamoto is a career .277 hitter in the NPB. The right-handed hitting slugger has 248 career home runs, 717 RBIs, and owns an .882 OPS.
MLB teams may be skeptical of his age compared to Murakami, who’s 25 years old, but Okamoto’s talent should speak for itself. The Red Sox aren’t the only team in need of infield help, so they may have to open their checkbook a little wider to win the Okamoto sweepstakes.