Two players who have proven their competitiveness in the Japanese Professional Baseball (NPB) will challenge the U.S. Major League Baseball (MLB).
According to the U.S. “ESPN” on November 20, Kazuma Okamoto (29, Yomiuri Giants) and Kona Takahashi (28, Seibu Lions) entered the posting process.
The two can freely negotiate with MLB clubs from the 21st to January 4th next year local time in the United States.
사진 확대 Kazuma Okamoto. Photo =AFPBNews=News1
In Japan, Munetaka Murakami (25, Yakult Swallows) and Imai Tatsuya (27, Seibu Lions) have declared their MLB challenge.
Okamoto hit .327 with 15 homers and 49 RBIs in 69 NPB games in 2025.
Okamoto seriously injured his left elbow on May 6 when he collided with Takumu Nakano (29) of the Hanshin Tigers in front of the first base. Okamoto was out of the team’s power until mid-August due to the injury.
However, Okamoto continued to hit steadily even after returning to solid rehabilitation.
Okamoto batted .277 with 248 homers and 717 RBIs in 11 seasons in the NPB. Okamoto is one of Japan’s best hitters to win the Central League home run king three times (2020, 2021 and 2023).
Okamoto also played very well in the Japanese national baseball team uniform. He played a crucial role in Japan’s victory in the 2023 WBC final, hitting a home run against U.S. national team left-hander Kyle Freeland.
사진 확대 Kazuma Okamoto. Photo =AFPBNews=News1
MLB clubs will immediately seek resources on the first and third bases with a sense of power this winter. Okamoto, who has a clear defensive position and a clear long shot, is considered a card that several teams will covet.
Takahashi is a real right-hander. Takahashi, who will turn 29 on Feb. 3 next year, won 8-9 in the 2023 season with a 3.04 ERA. He pitched 148 innings, striking out 88 and walking 41.
He is considered a pitcher who combines constant innings and stability.
He was shaken by 0-11 with a 3.87 ERA in the 2024 season, but he is a resource that supported the team’s starters with 22 wins in the previous two seasons.
Takahashi played in the NPB for 11 years, recording 73 wins, 77 losses and a 3.39 ERA.
The cost of posting is also of interest. According to ESPN, it is subject to regulations between MLB and NPB. 20% of the total contract (including options and bonuses) of $25 million (about 36.8 billion won), 17.5% of the next $25 million section, and 15% of $50 million or more (about 73.7 billion won) will be paid to the original Japanese team.
If the option and bonus are actually activated, 15% will be added.
사진 확대 Kazuma Okamoto. Photo =AFPBNews=News1
“ESPN” said, “Japanese players’ MLB challenges this winter are much more active than in previous years. Long hitter Okamoto and Inning Player Takahashi are on the market, receiving great attention from many clubs.
[Lee Geunseung, MK Sports Reporter]