(Written before Okamoto officially signed with the Toronto Blue Jays)
We’re talking about a 29-year-old star hitter in Kazuma Okamoto that can play first base, third base, and left field.
On January 4th at 5PM EST, the deadline for Okamoto to sign with an MLB finally arrives so an answer will have to be soon. There are teams like the Toronto Blue Jays, San Diego Padres, and Los Angeles Angels that are rumored to be in the sweepstakes but the Pirates appear to have a legit shot.
Historically West Coast teams have had success with Japanese stars such as Shohei Ohtani, so that’s where the Padres could have the edge. While the Pirates haven’t made a big free agency splash before 2025 since 2019, that has to change if Pittsburgh wants to compete, and Big Z (Kazuma’s the perfect guy to change that).
*PREDICTION*Â
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As the 2025–26 MLB offseason unfolds, Kazuma Okamoto has emerged as one of the most intriguing international free agents available, and the Pittsburgh Pirates could be a natural landing spot for the powerful Japanese slugger.
Okamoto, a six-time NPB All-Star with a long history of run production, was posted by the Yomiuri Giants and has drawn interest from multiple MLB clubs. The Pirates have quietly positioned themselves as serious contenders thanks to an aggressive offseason approach that has already seen Pittsburgh add key pieces like Ryan O’Hearn and Brandon Lowe to bolster their lineup.
Pittsburgh’s offense has struggled in recent seasons, ranking near the bottom of the league in runs scored, and adding a middle-of-the-order bat with proven production could be transformative.
Okamoto offers a rare blend of contact ability, power, and plate discipline that would immediately improve the Pirates’ run creation.
Unlike some of the recent NPB players whose contracts were driven by long-term projections, Okamoto is expected to sign a short-to-medium term deal that gives Pittsburgh flexibility while still delivering impact at the plate.
His presence would also ease pressure on younger hitters and create protection for O’Hearn and Spencer Horwitz in the batting order. Given Pittsburgh’s youth movement and need for established bats, a competitive offer for Okamoto could signal that the Pirates are ready to take the next step toward contention.
In a division where offensive firepower can make or break postseason hopes, signing Okamoto would be a statement move — one that injects proven talent, international star power, and a reliable run producer into Pittsburgh’s middle lineup.
In 69 games with the Yomiuri Giants, Okamoto slashed .327/.416/.598 with 15 home runs and 49 RBI in his final NPB season before entering MLB free agency.