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17h ago

Yomiuri Giants Reportedly Decline To Post Kazuma Okamoto This Offseason

The move tracks with the club’s long-standing reluctance to use the posting system for position players.

Image
Mar 15, 2025; Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan; Yomiuri Giants first baseman Kazuma Okamoto (25) fields a ground ball against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning at Tokyo Dome. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Overview

  • The decision was reported by Francys Romero, who cited industry sources, and has been echoed by multiple outlets without an official team announcement.
  • If he is not posted, Okamoto would remain with Yomiuri for 2026 and reach NPB free agency after that season, allowing an MLB move without a posting fee to the Giants.
  • The 29-year-old corner infielder is a six-time All-Star with 248 career NPB home runs, and he logged a .280/.362/.501 line with 15 homers in 69 games during an elbow-shortened 2025 season.
  • Okamoto has played primarily third base with extensive time at first and some outfield, and he has publicly expressed interest in MLB opportunities.
  • With Okamoto unavailable this winter, MLB clubs are expected to refocus on other third-base options already in the market, including free agents such as Alex Bregman and Eugenio Suárez.