The Chicago Cubs came into the offseason with some clear and obvious needs– such as pitching and a replacement for outgoing right fielder Kyle Tucker– and a world of roster and budget flexibility around which to make things happen.
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So far, however, the team hasn’t made the big moves fans had hoped for. Currently, the talent haul for the Cubs consists of free agent relievers Phil Maton and Hoby Milner and backup first baseman Tyler Austin. They were also able to re-sign pitchers Caleb Thielbar and Shota Imanaga on one-year deals.
But there remains ample opportunity for them to still make some major waves this offseason. With only Dansby Swanson and Phil Maton signed beyond 2027, Chicago has clean books. They’re also staring down contract endings after the coming season for a number of their key veteran assets (Ian Happ, Nico Hoerner, Seiya Suzuki, Carson Kelly, Jameson Taillon, Matthew Boyd, Colin Rea, and Imanaga) and facing the reality that they’re going to need to add some cornerstone players to the main roster.
With that in mind, the front office has reportedly targeted free agent third baseman Alex Bregman and Japanese pitching import Tatsuya Imai as valued acquisitions.
But what if Bregman and Imai can’t be had? What’s the plan B?
A plan B to Alex Bregman?
Jul 28, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman (2) runs the bases and watches his three run home run against the Minnesota Twins in the fifth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
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Veteran MLB insider Jon Heyman recently touched on a possible backup option should the Cubs find themselves boxed out of the Bregman hunt– Kazuma Okamoto.
In the Monday edition of his Bleacher Report Insider Notebook, Heyman listed the Cubs, alongside the Angels, Pirates, Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Diamondbacks as teams potentially in on the third baseman/first baseman from Japan.
The 29-year-old Okamoto is a 6-time NPB All-Star, but his entrance into the American market got just a fraction of the attention as that of the glitzier and more high-ceiling power-hitting corner infielder Munetaka Murakami, who just signed a two-year, $34 million deal with the Chicago White Sox.
There’s plenty of belief, though, that Okamoto is currently the better all-around player of the two.
Okamoto shines less, rates higher than Murakami
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
In a 2025 season shortened by a fluke elbow injury, Okamoto batted .322 with 15 home runs and 51 RBIs over 77 total games. In 2024, he hit .280 with 27 home runs and 83 RBIs. All in all, he’s considered a more stable, defensively sound, and well-rounded player than Murakami, but without the younger player’s breakout superstar potential.
He’s also projected to go for a more modest price (around $16 million AAV for 4-5 years).
Heyman’s report is not indicative of anything other than the Cubs possibly kicking the tires on the Japanese star, who will be returned to the NPB if he’s not signed by January 4. It would be front office due diligence to explore anyone and everyone who could possibly align with your team’s needs.
The possible plan
Mar 21, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Japan first baseman Kazuma Okamoto (25) celebrates his home run against the USA in the fourth inning at LoanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports
In Chicago’s case, Okamoto could be a backup to Bregman and/or Matt Shaw if Shaw were to be included in a trade for a front-of-rotation starter. His ability to play third, first, and some outfield would make him a solid fit for the team’s needs and he’d still see plenty of playing time as a utility asset.
The Cubs probably wouldn’t sign a $16 million-per-year utility man. But there would be a path to Okamoto if they whiff on Bregman and get presented a too-good-to-turn-down deal involving Shaw. The sticking point is the January 4 signing deadline, though. Lots needs to happen over a short period of time before the team can consider the overseas signing.
At the very least, the Cubs are exploring options. That’s certainly preferable to standing pat and simply hoping for the best.
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