Overview
- Okamoto must finalize an MLB deal by Sunday at 5 p.m. ET (4 p.m. CT) or return to the Yomiuri Giants under the posting rules.
- Recent reporting points to San Diego as the most likely landing spot, with the Pirates' chances fading as the Red Sox, Blue Jays, Angels, Mariners and Cubs remain linked.
- The right-handed hitter, entering his age-30 season, owns a career .277/.361/.521 NPB line with six 30-homer seasons and strong bat-to-ball skills.
- Teams primarily view him as a corner infielder, though his experience in left field has been noted as a way to fit his bat, including interest from Toronto in outfield usage.
- Expectations center on a shorter-term contract rather than a nine-figure deal, as clubs calibrate offers following recent outcomes for Munetaka Murakami and Tatsuya Imai.