The Pittsburgh Pirates are in the market for power, and with their offense stuck in neutral, they’re turning their attention to Japan’s Kazuma Okamoto - one of the top international bats available this offseason.
The Pirates had reportedly been eyeing both Munetaka Murakami and Okamoto as potential upgrades at third base. Murakami, however, is officially off the board after signing a two-year, $34 million deal with the Chicago White Sox. That leaves Okamoto as the remaining prize among the high-profile Japanese position players posted this winter - and Pittsburgh is still very much in the conversation.
According to team sources, the Pirates have already held multiple virtual meetings with Okamoto, signaling real interest. And it makes sense.
This is a team that finished dead last in the majors in runs scored (583) and is coming off back-to-back 71-91 seasons. They haven’t sniffed the playoffs since 2015, the longest active postseason drought in the National League.
Simply put, they need bats - and Okamoto brings one with serious pop.
Okamoto, 26, has been a force in Japan’s NPB, known for his right-handed power and ability to drive the ball to all fields. He’s not just a slugger - he’s a run producer, the kind of hitter who could slot right into the middle of a lineup and give opposing pitchers something to think about every night. For Pittsburgh, that kind of presence would be a game-changer, especially in a lineup that’s lacked a true power threat.
The recent acquisition of Brandon Lowe, who brings 30-homer potential even in pitcher-friendly PNC Park, adds another layer to this. Pairing Lowe with Okamoto could suddenly give the Pirates a legitimate heart of the order - something they’ve sorely lacked in recent years. That’s a duo capable of flipping games with one swing and giving Pittsburgh fans something to cheer about beyond the development of prospects.
Contract-wise, Okamoto’s deal is expected to look different from Murakami’s. While Murakami landed a higher annual salary, Okamoto may be eyeing a longer-term deal with a lower AAV and potential opt-outs - a structure that could appeal to a team like Pittsburgh trying to build sustainably without breaking the bank. He’s three years older than Murakami, which may factor into both his market value and his desire for long-term security.
The posting window for Okamoto closes on January 4th, giving teams a limited window to make their move. For the Pirates, this could be a rare opportunity to land a middle-of-the-order bat in his prime - something they haven’t done often in free agency. And while they’ve missed out on some bigger names earlier this offseason, Okamoto could still be the kind of signing that changes the trajectory of their rebuild.
There’s still work to be done, and nothing is guaranteed. But if the Pirates can land Okamoto, it would mark a bold step forward - not just in terms of talent acquisition, but in signaling to fans and the rest of the league that Pittsburgh is serious about turning the corner.