Pirates Intensify Pursuit of Kazuma Okamoto as MLB Posting Deadline Nears

The Pittsburgh Pirates‘ offseason plans are starting to take form, and one title retains surfacing as a possible game-changer: Kazuma Okamoto.

Nearly a month after first reviews linked the Pirates to the Japanese star, new info signifies Pittsburgh’s curiosity is way from informal.

Serious Interest from Pittsburgh

While particulars round Okamoto’s MLB transition stay restricted, the Pirates’ continued engagement indicators real intent. Pittsburgh is competing with groups just like the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox, each loosely linked to the slugging infielder.

But roster uncertainties cloud these rivals’ pursuits. Boston’s pursuit of Alex Bregman complicates its match for Okamoto, whereas Toronto stays centered on Bo Bichette and different marquee bats.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the workforce has held a number of digital conferences with Okamoto as his 45-day posting window approaches its January 4 deadline.

That leaves the door open for Pittsburgh, although it could be untimely to name them favorites. The Pirates have traditionally struggled to land high-profile worldwide free brokers, notably from Japan, and their repute for conservative spending stays an element.

Recent Trades Show Win-Now Intent

The Pirates have already made strikes this offseason, buying Brandon Lowe in a three-team commerce and including Jhostynxon Garcia from Boston. While these strikes sacrificed rotation depth, GM Ben Cherington has brazenly acknowledged the workforce continues to be looking for a “proven bat.”

Okamoto, although untested in MLB, boasts an elite résumé in Japan. With the Yomiuri Giants, he posted a .277/.361/.521 slash line with 248 residence runs, establishing himself as certainly one of NPB’s most feared hitters.

Contract Cost Could Be a Major Hurdle

Recent conduct, nonetheless, suggests the Pirates could also be extra keen to spend. The workforce reportedly explored a large supply for Kyle Schwarber and confirmed curiosity in Josh Naylor earlier than he re-signed elsewhere.

Pittsburgh has additionally been energetic in commerce discussions for Ketel Marte, signaling possession might lastly again roster upgrades with vital funding.

MLB Trade Rumors ranks Okamoto nineteenth among the many high 50 free brokers this offseason, projecting a four-year, $64 million deal. That could be the biggest free-agent contract in Pirates historical past, eclipsing Francisco Liriano’s $39 million deal from a decade in the past.

How Okamoto Fits Pittsburgh

Defensively, Okamoto profiles as a stable, however not elite, third baseman. Offensively, he would offer an instantaneous improve to a Pirates lineup determined for energy. Signing him would additionally supply long-term stability, notably with Lowe approaching free company subsequent winter.

Adding Okamoto would push Jared Triolo, Nick Gonzales, and Nick Yorke into middle-infield competitors, finally deepening roster flexibility.