Chicago eyes another Japanese star. Utility slugger Kazuma Okamoto, a proven power hitter, could fill the Cubs' need at third base this winter.
The Chicago Cubs have been very active in the Japanese market in recent offseasons.
They have signed two Japanese players in two of the past five offseasons. The team’s first big Japanese signing came back in 2022 when Seiya Suzuki agreed to a five-year deal with the Cubs. Then, Shota Imanaga agreed to a multi-year contract with Chicago in early 2024.
Well, it appears there’s a good chance the Cubs add more Japanese talent to their roster for the 2026 season. The front office has reportedly shown interest in right-handed pitcher Tatsuya Imai, and many insiders believe the North Siders will land him this winter.
The Cubs also seem to be interested in another Japanese star. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Chicago is one of six teams to be “in” on utility player Kazuma Okamoto. Heyman lists the Cubs, Pirates, Angels, Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Diamondbacks as potential suitors for the slugger.
It’s no secret that the Cubs are looking for a third base upgrade this offseason. They are interested in signing Alex Bregman, have shown interest in Eugenio Suarez, and are now reportedly in on Okamoto.
While Okamoto does have experience playing first base and the outfield, his primary position is at third base. So, the 29-year-old Japanese slugger could be the Cubs' target at the hot corner this winter.
Okamoto played 11 seasons in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), where he had a career .277/.361/.521 slash line with 248 home runs, 212 doubles, 13 stolen bases, and 717 RBI across 1,074 games with the Yomiuri Giants.
In his 11 seasons in the NPB, Okamoto displayed his above-average power, showcased his elite plate discipline, and struck out at a below-average rate. He also had six different seasons with at least 30 home runs, which included a 41-home run campaign in 2023.
Therefore, Okamoto could be a solid addition for the Cubs this offseason. If the front office feels like the asking price for Bregman becomes too high, pivoting to the 29-year-old could be their fallback option.
He can play multiple positions and would give Chicago another 20-plus home run hitter in its lineup. Okamoto would also cost the Cubs a lot less money in free agency.
MLB Trade Rumors predicts Okamoto to sign a four-year, $64 million contract in free agency, while ESPN has him projected for a three-year, $36 million deal. Either way, that’s significantly cheaper than what Bregman’s potential asking price would be.
That makes him a potential fit for the Cubs this offseason. Okamoto has until January 4th to sign with a Major League team.