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The New York Yankees enter another high-stakes offseason battle. With Cody Bellinger set to test free agency, the team must decide: pay to keep their versatile outfielder or look overseas for a new source of power. Jon Heyman of the New York Post and Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors report that Yomiuri Giants star Kazuma Okamoto will likely be posted this winter, giving the Yankees a perfect fallback plan.
A Proven Slugger Overseas
Okamoto does not qualify as a fringe prospect or an unknown commodity. At 29, he stands as one of the premier hitters in Nippon Professional Baseball and serves as captain of Japan’s most famous club. He already owns six All-Star selections, two Gold Gloves, and three home run titles. After missing three months earlier this year with an elbow injury, he returned to slash .304/.385/.585 with 11 home runs in under 200 plate appearances. Across a full season, his averages project to about 39 homers per 162 games.
Scouts compare Okamoto to Seiya Suzuki for his offensive upside but believe he fits best at first base in the majors. He has logged time across the corners but shines at first, where he won Japan’s 2024 Fielding Bible Award. Even if his glove limits him, his bat delivers enough power to make an immediate impact in the Bronx.
The Yankees have always targeted international stars, from Hideki Matsui to Masahiro Tanaka to their recent pursuit of Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Okamoto fits that tradition, offering right-handed thump with patience and proven production under pressure.
Why the Yankees Make Sense
Bellinger’s situation complicates the Yankees’ offseason plan. If he leaves, they must replace his left-handed pop and defensive versatility. That challenge will not come easy. But Okamoto provides something different: a right-handed slugger at a premium position and, just as importantly, protection in the lineup for Aaron Judge. With Judge managing durability concerns, the Yankees cannot afford to gamble on patchwork bats. They need a reliable power source.
Okamoto carries some risk. Scouts note that his performance dips against high velocity, and MLB fastballs average several ticks faster than those in NPB. He may need time to adjust. Still, similar doubts once surrounded Suzuki, Shohei Ohtani, and other Japanese hitters who later thrived in MLB. Okamoto’s disciplined approach—walking at a rate over 10% while striking out just 11%—suggests he can adapt.
If posted, he will attract heavy competition. The Mets, according to Heyman, could pursue him if Pete Alonso departs. The Cubs, Giants, and other big-market teams may also enter the chase. But the Yankees’ financial resources and ongoing first base concerns make them a logical fit.
Even if Okamoto cannot replicate Bellinger’s glove, his bat would transform the Yankees’ offense. A lineup anchored by Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Ben Rice, and Okamoto would restore the thunder New York needs to compete deep into October.
Okamoto’s posting does not come guaranteed, since Yomiuri rarely parts with stars. But if he becomes available, the Yankees must be near the top of the line. Whether or not Bellinger re-signs, Okamoto represents the kind of power addition that could define the Yankees’ next era.
Alvin Garcia Born in Puerto Rico, Alvin Garcia is a sports writer for Heavy.com who focuses on MLB. His work has appeared on FanSided, LWOS, NewsBreak, Athlon Sports, and Yardbarker, covering mostly MLB. More about Alvin Garcia
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