As the posting window nears its deadline, the clock is ticking on Kazuma Okamoto’s decision to sign with an MLB club, and the Chicago Cubs are emerging as one of the most logical landing spots.
The star corner infielder from Japan has drawn interest from multiple teams throughout the offseason, but as negotiations tighten and roster needs become clearer, the Cubs stand out as a strong match in both lineup fit and organizational strategy.
With power, versatility, and a proven offensive track record overseas, Okamoto to the Cubs is a scenario that continues to gain momentum as free agency progresses.
*Prediction*
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Okamoto has built an impressive résumé in Nippon Professional Baseball, establishing himself as one of the premier sluggers in Japan. Over his career, he has produced a .277/.361/.521 slash line with 277 home runs and 872 RBIs, showcasing a blend of power and consistency that translates well to today’s MLB offensive environment.
He brings impact bat potential without being a boom-or-bust hitter, thanks to his ability to keep the ball off the ground and avoid excessive strikeouts, traits that make him especially appealing to analytically driven front offices like Chicago’s.
For the Cubs, the fit is obvious. The lineup leans heavily left-handed, and the organization has been searching for a right-handed run producer capable of lengthening the middle of the order.
Okamoto checks that box immediately. His positional versatility also makes him attractive: he can share first-base duties with Michael Busch, contribute at third base, serve time at designated hitter, and provide flexibility while the Cubs evaluate how players like Matt Shaw develop, particularly with future uncertainty surrounding Nico Hoerner’s long-term situation.
Beyond lineup balance, Okamoto offers roster adaptability, something Craig Counsell values highly. His presence would allow Chicago to rotate players through defensive roles while maintaining offensive upside across the board.
At 29 years old, he brings enough experience to step in right away while still offering several years of productive upside.
The broader market context may also work in the Cubs’ favor. With Munetaka Murakami landing on the South Side with the White Sox, attention has shifted squarely toward Okamoto as the next available high-profile Japanese position player.
While Murakami is younger and carries greater raw power, Okamoto’s contact-oriented approach and professional maturity may give him a smoother transition to Major League Baseball. He may not project in the same financial tier as a superstar like Alex Bregman, but he offers the type of upside that fits comfortably beneath that price bracket, unless heavy bidding drives his market higher.
If Chicago’s biggest financial splash this offseason ends up being in the pitching department — whether targeting an arm like Tatsuya Imai, Zac Gallen, or another frontline option, Okamoto represents the type of hitter who could still fall within the club’s spending range while meaningfully elevating the offense.
With the signing deadline approaching, the Cubs remain one of the clearest baseball-fit destinations for Kazuma Okamoto.
His power profile, versatility, and approach at the plate align with Chicago’s needs and competitive outlook — and if a deal comes together, he could become a major lineup difference-maker at Wrigley Field for years to come.