Yomiuri Giants star Kazuma Okamoto will not be posted

MLB teams hoping for a chance at Yomiuri Giants star Kazuma Okamoto in free agency received disappointing news on Monday. Insider Francys Romero reported that “industry sources” believe Okamoto will not be posted after all.

Okamoto, a 29-year-old corner infielder, is coming off a season in which he slashed .280/.362/.501 with 15 home runs. His 2025 campaign was limited to just 69 games due to injury. Over 11 NPB seasons, Okamoto has amassed 248 home runs, including a career-high 41 homers in 2024. He is a six-time All-Star, two-time Gold Glove winner, and has led the league in home runs three times.

It is worth noting that the Yomiuri Giants have never posted a position player before, though expectations leaned toward posting Okamoto this time—until Romero’s report emerged. If the Giants hold onto him through the 2026 season, Okamoto will reach free agency after next year, allowing him to sign with any MLB team without the NPB club receiving compensation.

Primarily a third baseman, Okamoto could also move to first base if he transitions to MLB. Regardless of position, his bat is what will attract teams the most. Alongside his power hitting, he posted a remarkably low 11.3% strikeout rate in 2025.

MLB teams have scouted Okamoto for years, with interest notably increasing after his performance for Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Should Okamoto make the move to the United States either this year or next, there is expected to be no shortage of MLB suitors for his services.

In September, the New York Post’s Jon Heyman identified the Baltimore Orioles as the best fit for Okamoto. Additionally, New York Yankees and Yomiuri Giants legend Hideki Matsui still holds considerable influence with the Japanese club, which could play a role in Okamoto’s future.

Meanwhile, MLB teams in need of third basemen will have several top-tier options even without relying on the Giants to post Okamoto. Free agents Alex Bregman and Eugenio Suarez are both expected to hit the market again soon, though they will likely command significantly higher price tags.
https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/mlb-stories/mlb-news-yomiuri-giants-star-kazuma-okamoto-not-posted

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