Why the Red Sox are so interested in this Japanese infielder
The Boston Red Sox front office has a clear objective this offseason. They need to add more offensive firepower. Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow is on the hunt for a bat that can make a real difference, and the team’s preference is for that production to come from an infield position.
A new report suggests they are looking across the Pacific to find their solution. The Red Sox may be preparing to address that roster deficiency by targeting one of the more compelling international players available, Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Red Sox are one of the teams who have expressed a “big interest” in Okamoto. They are not alone, as the Toronto Blue Jays and Pittsburgh Pirates are also reportedly in pursuit.
This interest signals a strategic move by Boston to find value in a competitive market.
A Proven Slugger from NPB
Kazuma Okamoto is not an unknown prospect. At 29 years old, he has been officially posted for Major League Baseball teams after a decorated 11-year professional career in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). His track record is impressive. Okamoto is a six-time NPB All-Star who has demonstrated consistent power, recording six different seasons with 30 or more home runs.
Even in a recent season shortened to just 69 games by injuries, his ability to drive the ball was evident. He still managed to hit 15 home runs and collect 49 RBI in that limited action. This history of production makes him a reliable power source that MLB teams, including the Red Sox, find highly attractive.
The Scouting Report: A Blend of Power and Poise
What would Okamoto bring to an MLB lineup? According to former MLB General Manager Jim Bowden, league evaluators primarily project Okamoto as a first baseman. At that position, he could provide significant value with a well-rounded skill set that goes beyond just home runs.
Scouts believe he has the tools to be a plus-defensive asset at first base. That glove is complemented by his offensive profile, which is notable for its balance. While his power is his calling card, his plate discipline may be what ensures his success in North America.
- Solid Power: While his 30-plus homer seasons in Japan might translate to a more modest 15-20 home runs in MLB, this level of production would still be a welcome addition to Boston’s lineup.
- Excellent Plate Discipline: Throughout his professional career, Okamoto has maintained a low 17.7 percent strikeout rate and a solid 10.7 percent walk rate. This ability to make contact and avoid strikeouts is a highly valued trait.
- Plus Defense: Projections see him as a capable, above-average defender at first base, adding value even when he isn’t hitting for power.
His profile presents an interesting contrast to another Japanese slugger, Munetaka Murakami. While Murakami may possess a higher power ceiling, that potential is paired with a concerning 29.5 percent strikeout rate against NPB pitching in 2024. The source material notes that Murakami boasts a higher floor at the big-league level, particularly when his glove is factored in, but Okamoto’s superior contact skills present a compelling alternative for a team seeking consistency.
An Affordable and Strategic Fit for Boston
The Red Sox’s interest in Okamoto makes perfect sense from both a financial and a roster-management perspective. The team is facing significant uncertainty at first base. Triston Casas is recovering from a ruptured patellar tendon in his left knee, and his timeline for a full return remains unclear. This injury history makes finding a reliable alternative or a high-level contingency plan a top priority.
Okamoto could be that plan. He projects as a more affordable option compared to the top of the domestic free-agent market. Pursuing a player like Pete Alonso, for example, would likely require a contract exceeding $150 million. By targeting Okamoto, the Red Sox could potentially fill a major need without committing to a massive long-term deal, preserving financial flexibility for other areas of the roster. He represents a calculated move to add immediate impact without breaking the bank.