Overview
- The postings for Kazuma Okamoto and Kona Takahashi are official, with negotiation windows reported to run until Jan. 4 at 5 p.m. ET.
- Evaluators view Munetaka Murakami as the highest-upside power bat, while Okamoto is seen as a more polished, higher-floor corner infielder.
- Tatsuya Imai projects as a frontline starter likely to command a significant long-term deal, whereas Takahashi is valued for starter-reliever flexibility and may land a shorter-term contract.
- Teams frequently linked to this class include the Dodgers, Yankees, Blue Jays and Giants, with industry voices expecting interest to track organizational histories and needs.
- A social-media photo of Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto dining with Murakami fueled speculation of Los Angeles’ interest, though no pursuit has been confirmed.