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With over a week left to sign, Kazuma Okamoto is drawing interest from several clubs, including the San Diego Padres.
The San Diego Padres made several different moves in recent days.
However, one huge glaring issue remains: gaining power for the lineup.
Ryan O’Hearn inked a deal in Pittsburgh, so the free agent will not return to San Diego. The Padres will need to find his replacement. Bolstering their roster with a power hitter would help propel San Diego back into contention again in 2026.
After a solid 2025 campaign that saw San Diego push deep into the playoffs, the Friars are looking to address key needs.
Additional starting pitching, a reliable first baseman or designated hitter, and more offensive depth are the goals for the team.Â
With Luis Arráez remaining unsigned, G.M. A.J. Preller is once again poised to make yet another aggressive move. One intriguing international option who fits this bill is Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto.
Okamoto’s posting from the Yomiuri Giants has sparked widespread interest across MLB, and some recent rumors position the Padres among the favorites to land the 29-year-old power hitter.
Okamoto, a 6-foot-tall right-handed batter, has been a cornerstone on the Giants in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) since 2015.
Primarily a first baseman, he’s known for his power and consistency. In 2025, despite playing just 69 games due to injury, Okamoto slashed .327/.416/.598 with 15 home runs, 49 RBIs, and produced elite run-creation numbers above the NPB league average.
Over his career, Okamoto has averaged around 30+ homers per full season, showcasing raw power. Okamoto has also spent limited time at third base and left field. The 29-year-old’s posting window will close on January 4, adding a sense of urgency to prospective teams.
Okamoto’s biggest asset is his power, often viewed as above average by MLB standards. He’s a patient hitter with an 11.3% walk rate in 2025, which has led to strong on-base percentages. Defensively, Okamoto is versatile and reliable, earning Golden Glove awards in NPB at first and third base. At just 29, he’s in his prime, offering immediate impact without the long development curve sometimes associated with younger prospects.
The six-time All-Star has attracted a crowd with broad MLB interest. Teams of note that have been rumored to be of interest include the Yankees, Cubs, Blue Jays, Angels, Diamondbacks, Pirates, Red Sox, Rockies, and Mariners, but lately, the Pirates have been tied as an aggressive suitor amid their already active offseason.
The Angels and Yankees have also been mentioned as two of the most serious landing spots for the Japanese slugger.
Recently, the Padres have surged as frontrunners with insiders noting the Friars’ glaring need for a power hitter and A.J. Preller’s history of landing big international signings. With Ryan O’Hearn signing with the Pirates, it seems less likely that Pittsburgh also lands Okamoto, which has led more people to believe that Okamoto to San Diego may be more likely to happen than previously speculated.
While projections vary, some experts, such as ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel, believe the first baseman could sign for around three years $43 million, including posting fees.
For the Padres, this fits their budget even after re-signing Michael King to a three-year, $75 million deal. However, given his age, many believe that Okamoto’s camp won’t settle for such a short-term deal, instead preferring a five or six-year deal.
Landing Okamoto would be a game-changer for San Diego. The Padres’ offense, while stacked with stars such as Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts, could use more power, especially with Ryan O’Hearn gone to Pittsburgh. Slotting Okamoto in at first base or DH would address a massive hole in the Friars’ lineup.
Beyond this, Okamoto brings a winning pedigree from multiple deep NPB playoff runs to international play, aligning with the Padres’ push for a World Series.
The three-time home run champ is a low-risk, high-reward addition that could help turn San Diego into a true powerhouse without breaking the bank. Overall, while the likelihood does not seem high, if Preller pulls this off, Friar Faithful could be celebrating a new era of Pacific Rim influence in the brown and gold.
Billy has spent a majority of his life following San Diego sports and worked in San Diego for many years. Now residing in Newport Beach he recently obtained his Juris Doctorate degree from Chapman University and now works as an Associate Personal Injury Attorney. Billy enjoys supporting the Padres and SDFC from Orange County and making the drive down for big games. He is passionate about analytics and writing about sports.
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