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sports19h ago
How good are this year's top Japanese free agents -- and who could sign them?
Espn.com and 1 more
- Kazuma Okamoto emerges as a cost-efficient, power-oriented first baseman/DH option for teams wary of top-market commitments, with several clubs like the Mets, Yankees, Phillies and others in the mix for 2025–26.
- Okamoto’s contract projections are modest relative to Murakami and Imai, with four-year, sub-$70 million ranges highlighted by industry projections as a baseline.
- Okamoto is described as having opposite profile traits to Murakami, with average hit tool but solid power, making him a practical, cost-effective bet for teams seeking a steady toolkit at first base/DH.
- Okamoto’s age advantage (over three years younger than Murakami) supports shorter, controllable-term commitments, appealing to teams cautious about long-term viability.
- Okamoto could be viewed as a strategic fit for teams seeking depth at first base and DH, offering a lower-cost path with meaningful power upside.
- Top bidder interest, including Mets, Yankees and Giants, remains a theme for Japanese sluggers, with Okamoto positioned to attract multi-team bidding dynamics.
- Murakami remains the marquee high-upside target, but his extreme power and strikeout risk continue to shape teams’ willingness to commit nine figures.
- Imai’s all-in cost projection (nine figures over six years) from prior reporting influences his top-tier market status alongside Murakami, guiding expectations for posting fees.
- The reference piece frames Okamoto and other top Japanese free agents as part of a broader trend toward cost-conscious, multi-team bidding in 2025–26.
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