The Chicago Cubs have yet to make any significant moves this offseason, and fans are understandably getting frustrated. But could the Cubs make a splash in the coming days?
Japanese third baseman Kazuma Okamoto is reportedly now in the United States and has until Jan. 4 to sign with an MLB team before his posting time expires. The San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Angels have been labeled as potential landing spots, but perhaps Chicago could join the picture?
After all, the Cubs have expressed interest in fellow third baseman Alex Bregman, so Okamoto could comprise a nice consolation prize, right?
Not so fast.
Brett Taylor of Bleacher Nation has thrown cold water on the idea of Chicago pursuing Okamoto, noting that the 29-year-old doesn’t seem like a fit in the Windy City.
The Chicago Cubs don’t make much sense for Kazuma Okamoto
Mar 15, 2025; Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan; Yomiuri Giants first baseman Kazuma Okamoto (25) fields a ground ball against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning at Tokyo Dome. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Taylor clearly thinks Okamoto is a talented player with a lot going for him, but he also feels that there are a “number of complications” involved in the Cubs potentially signing him.
He notes that Okamoto is only a decent defender at the hot corner, where Matt Shaw has truly excelled. And while Shaw’s bat has yet to really take off, Chicago loves his potential at the plate. Taylor also feels that Bregman would simply be the superior option at the position and that the Cubs simply do not have enough money to land Okamoto while also bagging a starting pitcher.
There is no question that Okamoto is a tantalizing player.
The 29-year-old slashed .322/.411/.581 with 15 home runs and 51 RBI over 314 plate appearances in 2025, a season that was abbreviated by injury. He is also three seasons removed from smashing 41 homers, and he owns a lifetime .856 OPS while cracking the .900 mark several times.
But Okamoto is entirely unproven on the major-league level, and he could prove too costly for a Cubs squad that has been rather careful with its finances over the last several years.
Chances are, Okamoto will take his talents elsewhere.
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