The New York Yankees could look to make an international move in order to bolster the team’s hitting this offseason. New York has been floated as a top landing spot for Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto.
The Yankees are currently the betting favorites to land Okamoto at +250, per BetOnline. The Philadelphia Phillies (+300), Chicago Cubs (+350), Los Angeles Dodgers (+400) and Boston Red Sox (+600) are also among the favorites for Okamoto.
Back in October, Okamoto announced that he would pursue a move to MLB but has still yet to sign with a team.
“I have decided to take on the challenge of playing in MLB through the posting system,” Okamoto said, per MLB.com. “I’m grateful to all the team officials and fans who respected my decision and gave me their support.
“I believe MLB is the best league in the world, and I’ve always wanted to play there. I’ve worked hard with that goal in mind.”
Let’s dive into the latest Yankees rumors.
Kazuma Okamoto Has Hit at Least 30 Home Runs in 6 Straight Seasons in Japan
Okamoto would offer the Yankees some serious power in the lineup, posting six straight seasons with at least 30 home runs. ESPN’s Jeff Passan outlined why Japanese stars Okamoto as well as Munetaka Murakami could both make a serious splash during the MLB offseason.
“Arguably the two best hitters in Japan are headed to MLB this winter,” Passan wrote in a November 18, 2025, story titled, “Jeff Passan’s 2025-26 MLB offseason preview, intel, updates.” “Munetaka Murakami is a 25-year-old left-handed hitter with top-of-the-scale raw power and as high a ceiling as any free agent, domestic or international. Kazuma Okamoto is a 29-year-old right-handed hitter with tremendous bat-to-ball skills to complement his power. Both are third basemen with the ability to play first.
“…In 293 plate appearances this year for the Yomiuri Giants, he hit .327/.416/.598 with 15 home runs, 49 RBIs and only 33 strikeouts. The combination of such damage with so few punchouts is alluring, particularly compared with Murakami’s 36.7% whiff rate, the third highest among NPB players with at least 200 plate appearances.”
MLB Rumors: The Blue Jays, Red Sox & Pirates Linked to Kazuma Okamoto
If the Yankees make a strong push to land Okamoto, New York will need to be prepared to pay a premium. MLBTradeRumors.com has Okamoto as a top-20 free agent and projects the slugger will land a four-year, $64 million contract.
The Yankees have competition to land Okamoto. New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported that the Red Sox, Blue Jays and Pirates are among the teams showing an interest in Okamoto.
“Japanese 3B/1B Kazuma Okamoto also has big interest, including from the Red Sox, Pirates and Jays,” Heyman detailed in a December 4, story titled, “Yankees still trying hard for Cody Bellinger as stout competition emerges.” “Pittsburgh’s best hope may be to fill their hitting need via trade, however.”
New York has been linked to several notable free agents but have spent the early portion of the offseason attempting to retain their own key players. The Yankees are still pushing to re-sign Cody Bellinger amid plenty of interest from opposing clubs.
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