The New York Yankees have had a quiet offseason, but the team could make a splash by signing an International free agent.
New York has a need in the outfield, especially if Cody Bellinger walks in free agency. As well as at first base. With that, MLB insider Andrew Tredinnick of NorthJersey predicts the Yankees will sign Kazuma Okamoto to bolster their offense.
“Right-handed hitter could provide Aaron Boone with a plethora of lineup options, with his ability to play both third and first base,” Tredinnick wrote.
Okamoto would bolster the Yankees’ offense and add some more power to the lineup. He also has the ability to play the outfield if needed. But figures to be a corner infielder, which is a major need for the Yankees.
New York had a hole at third base for most of last season, while Paul Goldschmidt is a free agent, creating a hole at first base.
Okamoto is 29 years old and has played his entire career in Japan, but has now been posted to sign in the MLB. Last season in Japan, Okamoto hit .322 with 15 home runs and 51 RBIs in just 77 games. His career high was 41 home runs, as well as 113 RBIs, so his power should be able to translate to the MLB.
What is Okamoto Expected to Sign For?
Okamoto is one of the top International free agents available and should be in line for a solid payday.
ESPN MLB insider Kiley McDaniel is expected to sign a three-year, $36 million deal, plus a $6.925 million posting fee.
“Okamoto primarily played third base in NPB and likely moves to first base in short order in MLB,” McDaniel wrote. “Unlike Murakami, Okamoto has played a lot of first base. So there will be less of a breaking-in period as he’s also getting used to big league pitching. Okamoto has a track record of strong on-base percentages in Japan. Though some evaluators think he could be challenged by the higher velocity in MLB.
“He has plus raw power and an excellent feel for getting to it in games, giving him some ceiling if his contact rates in MLB are good enough. A right-handed-hitting (likely) first baseman who will turn 30 next June and has no big league experience is still a bit of a risk without a ton of ceiling, but Okamoto is a good bet to be a solid contributor, with a chance to be more if it all translates.”
Okamoto is ranked as the 21st-best free agent in McDaniel’s rankings.
Yankees Owner Hints at Team Not Spending
New York has always been one of the top spenders and has one of the highest payrolls in the MLB. But that may change this offseason.
During the offseason, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner met with the media. He said it’s not fair to assume the team made a profit last season.
“I don’t want to get into it,” Steinbrenner said. “But that’s not a fair statement or an accurate statement.”
Given that Steinbrenner wouldn’t confirm the Yankees made money, perhaps that means the team doesn’t spend as much this offseason.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Yankees Predicted to Land Japanese Phenom to Fill Major Need appeared first on Heavy Sports.