Pirates predicted to land $64 million NPB superstar slugger to pair with Brandon Lowe signing, create star infield duo originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Pittsburgh Pirates surprised everyone when they traded for Tampa Bay Rays slugger Brandon Lowe a few days ago. Now, they have a chance to do it again.
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With Munetaka Murakami finally signed, Fansided’s Mark Powell believes the Pirates could be the team to land the other NPB slugger coming over, Kazuma Okamoto.
MORE: Yankees predicted to land $157 million NPB superstar ace due to Munetaka Murakami signing
“I don’t know how Okamoto’s skillset will transition to MLB, but the Pirates aren’t in a position to choose between multiple options. The way I see it, Pittsburgh can either sign Okamoto to a favorable free-agent deal, or add Ryan O’Hearn. If Murakami’s contract is any indication, Okamoto should come at a bargain, especially if he’s willing to bet on himself…Pittsburgh just traded for Brandon Lowe, who has 30-plus home run power, even in PNC Park. Should they sign Okamoto, the Pirates lineup will have gone from a travesty to league-average overnight. That alone is worth Ben Cherington making the call,” Powell wrote.
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In 11 NPB seasons, Okamoto has slashed .277/.361/.521/.882 with 212 doubles, 248 home runs, and 717 RBI in 1074 games played. Combine him with Lowe, and the Pirates have a solid heart of the order that can put the ball out of the park.
Okamoto is also projected to earn a four-year, $64 million contract. For the money-conscious Pirates, that would be the perfect pickup.
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Hopefully, the Pirates start negotiations soon, as they only have until January 4th of 2026 to sign him.
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