The Pittsburgh Pirates have lost out in the bidding for Japanese free agent slugger Kazuma Okamoto.
The Toronto Blue Jays signed Okamoto to a four-year, $60-million contract on Saturday. The Pirates were also involved in the Okamoto sweepstakes, as they continue to attempt to mount an offense that finished last in MLB in runs scored, home runs, and OPS last season. The 29-year-old Okamoto’s 45-day posting window was set to expire on Sunday.
Jared Triolo is currently penciled in as the Pirates’ starting third baseman for 2026, but they are looking to upgrade at the position and move him to shortstop.
Triolo won the National League Gold Glove for utility players in 2024 and has 13 defensive runs saved in 128 games at third base over his three-year career. However. Triolo has hit just 19 home runs in 286 games to go with a slash line of .236/.320/.347.
Okamoto is the third power hitter the Pirates have failed to land in free agency this winter. They also made offers to Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber and Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor. Both re-signed with their respective teams after briefly testing the open market.
The Pirates have agreed to a two-year, $29-million contract with left-handed hitting Ryan O’Hearn in free agency. The deal is expected to become official next week following the completion of a physical examination.
O’Hearn was the starting designated hitter in last year’s All-Star Game for the American League while playing for the Baltimore Orioles. He was traded to the San Diego Padres later in July and finished the season hitting .281/.366/.437 with 17 home runs in 144 games.
O’Hearn can also play first base and the corner outfield spots. DH is the likely position for O’Hearn with the Pirates, as he would be stretched to play left field at PNC Park with its spacious left-center field gap. The Pirates also have Spencer Horwitz at first base and Bryan Reynolds in right field.
The Pirates traded for Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe on Dec. 19. He was also an All-Star in 2025 when he hit 31 home runs in 134 games and slashed .256/.307/.477.