Kazuma Okamoto Will Officially be Posted; Will the Yankees Pursue the Japanese Slugger?

Today, the Yomiuri Giants announced they will be posting 1B/3B/OF Kazuma Okamoto, making him an MLB free agent eligible to sign with any team. The question now is: does he fit with the Yankees?

Okamoto, 29, had another outstanding year in the NPB, posting a slash line of .327/.416/.598 with 15 homers and 49 RBI — good for a 210 wRC+. A six-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner, Okamoto has also led the Central League in home runs three times. Over the last three seasons, he owns the highest slugging percentage in the NPB. You might assume that means he’s a high-strikeout hitter — wrong. He ranks in the 91st percentile in both strikeout percentage and walk percentage. He’s an extremely well-rounded hitter with excellent bat-to-ball skills, who pulls a lot of fly balls while rarely putting the ball on the ground. Below is Okamoto's 2025 NPB percentiles:

Much like my article yesterday discussing whether Pete Alonso fits with the Yankees, many of the same questions remain — but there are key differences that could make Okamoto more appealing. First, there’s the defensive versatility he offers. While most MLB evaluators project him as a full-time first baseman (and an excellent one), he has extensive experience at third base and can handle the corner outfield spots in a pinch. Second, his contract will likely be substantially cheaper than Alonso’s. Estimates vary, but based on what I’ve seen, a reasonable projection would be a four-to-five-year deal with an average annual value (AAV) of $15–$20 million. Lastly, I believe the Yankees could benefit more from adding a player with Okamoto’s hitting profile rather than Alonso’s. The Yankees simply didn’t do enough in October — especially on the offensive side. They need more players who not only hit for power but also pair that power with strong swing decisions and a disciplined approach at the plate to get on base consistently.

Now, the fit — much like Alonso — is a bit complicated for the Yankees and depends heavily on whether they view Ben Rice as their primary catcher. If they don’t believe he can handle that role, the fit becomes questionable, as Rice would likely be at first base and McMahon at third. I also don’t think Okamoto could play the corner outfield spots on a regular basis. However, if the Yankees do trust Rice as their full-time catcher, that changes everything. It would open up a hole at first base, making Okamoto one of the top free agents to consider for that position.

Final Thoughts: I’m far more open to Okamoto than I initially thought I would be. His numbers have been dominant over an extended period, and I believe his offensive profile would mesh perfectly within the Yankees’ lineup. There’s always the question of how an NPB player’s performance will translate to MLB pitching — particularly given the lower average fastball velocity and fewer high-velocity arms in Japan. However, according to Yakyu Cosmopolitan on X, Okamoto has a career .298 average, 20 HRs, 9.6% swinging-strike rate, and 90.2% contact rate against 93+ mph fastballs.

In conclusion, if the Yankees commit to making Ben Rice their full-time catcher, Okamoto would be my #2 most desired free agent, right behind Kyle Tucker.

Please let me know your thoughts on Okamoto and whether you see him as a fit for the Yankees.