Kazuma Okamoto, one of many prime sluggers in Japan, introduced Wednesday that he’s making himself obtainable to Main League Baseball golf equipment by way of the posting system.
“I consider MLB is the very best league on this planet, and I’ve all the time wished to play there. I’ve labored laborious with that objective in thoughts,” Okamoto mentioned. “I am grateful to all of the group officers and followers who revered my determination and gave me their assist.”
Okamoto, 29, is a right-handed-hitting nook infielder for Japan’s Yomiuri Giants, clubbing a career-high 41 dwelling runs in 2023 as a part of a six-season run of 30 dwelling runs or extra.
His previous two seasons have been much less productive. Okamoto hit 27 dwelling runs in 2024 earlier than accidents took their toll in 2025, limiting him to fifteen lengthy balls over 69 video games.
Memorably, Okamoto starred on the worldwide stage in the course of the 2023 World Baseball Traditional championship sport, when he took Group USA’s Kyle Freeland deep as Japan received the WBC title.
Over his profession, Okamoto is .277/.361/.521 hitter.
As soon as he turns into obtainable, Okamoto will be capable to negotiate with any MLB group over a 45-day window. If a group reaches an settlement with him, that membership would want to pay a launch price to Yomiuri. The price begins at 20 p.c of the contract worth and will rise relying upon the value of the agreed-upon contract.
Okamoto is one season away from qualifying for unrestricted free company.
–Discipline Stage Media