Kazuma Okamoto might not be a household name in MLB circles just yet, but that could change quickly. The Japanese slugger is officially on the market this offseason, and he brings with him a résumé that should have plenty of front offices paying attention. A two-time Gold Glove winner at third base and one of Nippon Professional Baseball’s most consistent power bats, Okamoto offers a rare blend of glove work and pop-exactly the kind of versatility that makes him one of the more intriguing free agents still available.
While fellow countryman Munetaka Murakami is drawing headlines for his raw power and superstar ceiling, Okamoto feels like the safer bet. He may not have Murakami’s flash, but he’s got polish, positional flexibility, and a track record that translates well to the big leagues. And when you look at what the New York Mets have been doing this offseason, Okamoto fits the mold of a calculated, high-upside addition.
The Mets’ Dilemma: Is a Fourth Year Too Much?
MLB Trade Rumors projected Okamoto for a four-year, $64 million deal-a $16 million average annual value that feels like solid value for a player with his pedigree. That kind of price tag isn’t going to scare off too many teams, especially when you consider the upside. But the sticking point for the Mets might be the length of the deal, not the dollars.
We’ve seen New York hesitate on fourth years before-most notably with Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz. The front office, led by David Stearns, seems committed to maintaining long-term flexibility.
That’s understandable. But drawing a hard line at three years across the board could lead to missed opportunities, especially for a player like Okamoto, who turns 30 next summer and doesn’t come with the typical age-related concerns.
Okamoto’s Fit in Queens
Let’s be clear: this isn’t a case of the Mets chasing a fading star. Okamoto is in his prime, and while there’s always some uncertainty with players transitioning from NPB to MLB, the upside here is real.
Yes, there’s the usual concern about adjusting to high-velocity fastballs-particularly those above 94 mph-but that’s a common hurdle for international hitters. It’s not a deal-breaker; it’s an adjustment period.
The question is whether the Mets are willing to give him the time to get there.
Defensively, Okamoto gives you options. He’s more than capable at third base-his two Gold Gloves speak for themselves-but he’s also logged significant time at first.
That versatility could be especially valuable for a Mets team that’s still figuring out its corner infield depth chart. Jorge Polanco was recently brought in, potentially for 1B/DH duties, but with just one career inning at first base, he’s far from a lock.
Okamoto, on the other hand, gives you legitimate coverage at both corners and a power bat to plug into the middle of the lineup. That kind of flexibility opens doors. It could even make someone like Brett Baty expendable in a trade for a starting pitcher, giving the Mets a chance to address multiple needs in one move.
The Market for Okamoto
While the Mets haven’t been pegged as favorites to land Okamoto-MLB Trade Rumors listed the Diamondbacks, Cubs, Pirates, and Padres as more likely destinations-they’re still very much in the conversation. Each of those teams could use help at first or third, but they’re also navigating their own roster and payroll constraints. The Pirates are known for avoiding big spending, and the Padres are in cost-cutting mode.
That leaves the door open for a team like the Mets to swoop in, especially if the price stays around that $64 million mark. Even if it climbs slightly-say, to $66 million over three years at a $22 million AAV-it’s still a worthwhile investment. That kind of structure would give Okamoto a strong payday while allowing the Mets to avoid the dreaded fourth year.
Murakami vs. Okamoto: A Tale of Two Price Tags
For context, Murakami is reportedly seeking a deal in the $180 million range over eight years. That’s a massive commitment, and while his ceiling is undeniably high, it’s a much riskier bet.
Okamoto, by comparison, offers a more manageable contract with far less downside. For a team like the Mets, who are trying to stay competitive without tying up future payroll, that matters.
The clock is ticking. Murakami has until December 22 to sign, while Okamoto’s window extends into the new year, closing on January 4. That gives teams a little more time to evaluate, negotiate, and ultimately decide whether they’re ready to make the leap.
For the Mets, the choice may come down to how much they value flexibility versus opportunity. Okamoto won’t be the flashiest move of the offseason, but he could be one of the smartest-especially for a team looking to solidify its infield, add a reliable bat, and stay nimble for the future.
If the fourth year is the only thing standing in the way, it might be time to reconsider the hard line. Because players like Kazuma Okamoto don’t come around often-and when they do, you don’t want to be the team that blinked.