Pirates Reportedly Have “Big Interest” In Kazuma Okamoto
p/c: Darren Yamashita
The Pittsburgh Pirates, along with several other teams, are showing “big interest” in international free agent, Kazuma Okamoto, this according to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman.
After 11 seasons in Japan, Okamoto was posted on November 20th.
The 29-year-old Okamoto has spent his entire professional career in the NPB playing for Yomiuri. Notable accolades include being a six-time All-Star, three-time home run leader, and a two-time Mitsui Golden Glove Award winner.
Okamoto compiled six straight seasons of 30 or more home runs; topping a career-high 41 in 2023.
The early portion of the offseason has the Pirates seemingly aiming high on free agents, with Kyle Schwarber and Eugenio Suarez as the most noteworthy. The latest report from Heyman is the first time Pittsburgh has been linked to Okamoto.
For the Pirates, third base and first base are certainly positions of need, and Okamoto could fill either role.