Yankees Rumored Free Agent Target Kazuma Okamoto Makes Major Decision
Masterpress/Getty Images
Kazuma Okamoto is likely to sign with an MLB team this off-season.
We may not know where Kazuma Okamoto is going to play in 2026. But we do now know he’s not going to come cheap.
The Japanese outfielder, who reportedly will be posted by the Yomiuri Giants this off-season, hired Scott Boras as his agent, according to baseball writer Francys Romero.
Okamoto, 29, has played first base, third base and outfield for the Giants and is a six-time All-Star of the Nippon League. Last season, Okamoto had a .992 OPS and 15 home runs in 314 plate appearances over 77 games for Yomiuri.
Kazuma Okamoto Fits With The Yankees
It’s been a decade-and-a-half since Hideki Matsui donned a New York Yankees uniform, and he remains the only position player to post then sign with the Yankees — even though they have landed pitchers like Masahiro Tanaka since.
But Okamoto, who is a right-handed hitter with 277 career home runs in his decade of playing at the highest level of Japanese baseball, makes a lot of sense for the Yankees as an alternative if they can’t bring back Cody Bellinger — or even if they can.
The Yankees deployed a righty/lefty platoons at first and third base this season, yet they will lose Paul Goldschmidt and Amed Rosario in free agency, since each was playing on an expiring contract.
That means they could use a right-handed hitting corner infielder to spell Ryan McMahon and/or Ben Rice against lefties, and Okamoto could play 1-2 games per week in the outfield — likely left field — so he can play a consistent 4-5 games per week.
Okamoto is a natural right fielder, which would offer insurance if something goes awry with Aaron Judge’s elbow — or the MVP outfielder goes down.
Okamoto could also help the Yankees with both power and contact, since he has been a high-average hitter in Japan. The veteran’s batting average has improved in each of the past three seasons, peaking at .322 for Yomiuri in 2025.
Okamoto will not be the only Boras-repped client for the Yankees to negotiate with this off-season, since Bellinger is also represented by the baseball super agent.
The Yankees Will Have Competition Signing Kazuma Okamoto
The Yankees may have one of the best fits for the Japanese utility player, but they are hardly the only ones.
The New York Mets, who may lose Pete Alonso in free agency and are coming off a season where they missed the postseason, may go big-game hunting again with the seemingly limitless funds of owner Steve Cohen.
Cohen, of course, outbid the Yankees for Juan Soto a year ago and could be a financial thorn in the side of Hal Steinbrenner, who is loathe to surpass the $300 million threshold for the Yankees payroll next season. Plus, he could play every day at third base, where the Mets had just a .714 team OPS.
Yet, perhaps more daunting to Yankees fans, could be the rival Boston Red Sox‘s reported interest in Okamoto. Boston could use a right-handed hitting option to platoon at first base with Tristan Casas, and Okamoto could be a seamless fit to play most days at third base if Alex Bregman exercises his opt-out clause and leaves in free agency this winter.
Plus, the Los Angeles Dodgers are sure to get in the mix, since they have limitless wealth and have cornered the market on Japanese superstar players.
SAD NEWS: Micah Parsons’ Family Shares Heartbreaking Health Update on His Mother
In a deeply emotional and heartbreaking announcement, the family of Green Bay Packers star linebacker Micah Parsons has revealed that his mother has been diagnosed with a serious and life-threatening health condition. The news, which was confirmed earlier today, has left Parsons and his family devastated as they focus all their energy on supporting his mother through this incredibly difficult time.
Parsons, one of the NFL’s premier defensive players, has made a name for himself with his explosive athleticism, leadership, and ability to change the course of games. Known for his fierce competitiveness and dominance on the field, Parsons has become the anchor of the Packers’ defense. However, with the news of his mother’s illness, his focus has shifted from football to being there for his family during this challenging chapter.
In a statement released by the Parsons family, they expressed their deep sorrow and requested privacy: “Our mother has been the heart of our family. Her strength, love, and unwavering support have been the foundation of everything we’ve done. Now, we are coming together to support her through this difficult battle. We ask for privacy as we care for her and navigate this tough time as a family.”
Parsons has been a standout player for the Packers since joining the team, known not only for his physical dominance but also for his leadership both on and off the field. Yet, despite his prominence as a player, his family remains his top priority. The Packers’ organization has expressed their full support for Parsons, with Head Coach Matt LaFleur offering his heartfelt thoughts: “Micah is a key player and an incredible leader for this team, but we know that family comes first. Our hearts are with him and his family during this difficult time, and we are here to support him in every way.”
Teammates have also sent their support to Parsons, acknowledging both his impact on the field and his devotion to his loved ones. Defensive back Jaire Alexander shared, “Micah is a warrior, and I know he’ll give everything to his family during this time. We’re all here for him, and we’ll support him however we can.”
As Micah Parsons steps away from the field to be with his mother, the Packers are fully respecting his need for time and space to focus on his family. The team has made it clear that Parsons has the organization’s full backing as he navigates this personal challenge.
The Parsons family has expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from fans, teammates, and the broader NFL community. As Micah faces this heart-wrenching chapter, the strength of his family, teammates, and the Packers organization will provide him the comfort and encouragement needed during this difficult time.
