The Pittsburgh Pirates have already turned a few heads this offseason with their unexpected trade for Tampa Bay Rays slugger Brandon Lowe. Now, they might be lining up another bold move - and this one could reshape the middle of their lineup even further.
With Japanese star Munetaka Murakami officially signed elsewhere, attention now shifts to another big bat coming over from Nippon Professional Baseball: Kazuma Okamoto. And for a Pirates team that’s been searching for legitimate power in the heart of the order, Okamoto might be exactly the kind of swing they need to take.
Let’s start with the profile. Over 11 seasons in NPB, Okamoto has been a consistent force at the plate, slashing .277/.361/.521 with 248 home runs and 717 RBI across 1,074 games.
That’s not just solid - that’s middle-of-the-lineup production in any league. He’s got the kind of pop that plays in any ballpark, including pitcher-friendly PNC Park, and pairing him with Lowe - who brings his own 30-homer upside - could give Pittsburgh a legitimate power duo it hasn’t had in years.
From a roster-building perspective, this would be a savvy move. Okamoto is projected to command a four-year, $64 million deal.
For a team like the Pirates, who’ve historically operated with a tighter budget, this is the type of calculated risk that could pay off in a big way. If Okamoto is willing to bet on himself - and if the Pirates are willing to take the leap - this could be one of the best value signings of the offseason.
And here’s the thing: Pittsburgh doesn’t have the luxury of choosing between a dozen power bats. Their options are limited, and that’s why this opportunity matters.
Adding Okamoto wouldn’t just be a splashy move - it would be a strategic one. It would signal that the Pirates are serious about building a competitive offense, not just patching holes.
Time is of the essence, though. The window to sign Okamoto closes on January 4, 2026. That gives the Pirates a short runway to get a deal done - but if they can move quickly and decisively, they could walk away with one of the more intriguing bats to make the jump from Japan in recent years.
Bottom line: the Pirates have already made noise this winter. If they land Okamoto, they won’t just be making noise - they’ll be sending a message.