Kazuma OkamotoThe transfer window closes at 4pm CT on Sunday, and there is no word yet on where the Japanese star might sign as the deadline approaches. Teams such as the Cubs, Blue Jays, Red Sox, Angels, Pirates, and Padres have reportedly shown some interest in Okamoto’s services, and MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand adds the Mariners to the list of clubs “linked” to pursuing the 29-year-old.
Signing Okamoto would represent an interesting pivot for Seattle, as the Mariners have been focusing more on second base as a target for improving the infield. IM’s want to see what they have in third-tier candidates as top prospects Colt Emersonor other young people who like it Cole Young again Ben Williamson.
Former Mariner Eugenio Suarez he’s only been the third player on Seattle’s radar, and even if Suarez re-signs with the team, it seems like Suarez could get a healthy dose of use as a pinch hitter instead of an everyday role at the hot corner. Trading target Brendan Donovan he also has some experience as a third baseman, but Donovan’s versatility makes him a candidate to be used all over the diamond, and second base would likely be his most common position if the M’s were able to pry him away from the Cardinals.
Although Okamoto has spent most of his career at the hot corner, however, he is more of a cornerback than a true third baseman. During his time with the Yomiuri Giants, Okamoto logged 662 games played at third base and 478 games at first base. He also played 77 games in the outfield, so the Major League team could be open to using Okamoto as a left fielder on occasion, as The Athletic’s Will Samson recently noted.
Seattle has it Josh Naylor again Randy Arozarena slated for everyday work at first base and left field, respectively, but Okamoto could get some work at those positions if Naylor or Arozarena get a DH day or a full day off. Arozarena is also a free agent after the 2026 season, so any playing time for Okamoto in left field could be viewed as a potential interview to see if he can move forward long-term.
If Okamoto can deliver anything close to his NPB numbers, he could be a great addition to the Mariners’ (or any team’s) roster. Okamoto has a slash line of .277/.361/.521 and 248 homers over 4494 plate appearances with the Giants, and his impressive resume includes six NPB All-Star nods, two NPB Golden Gloves, and a gold medal as a member of Japan’s winning team in the 2023 World Ball Classic.
MLB Trade Rumors ranked Okamoto 19th on our list of the top 50 free agents, and predicted a four-year, $64MM contract. Given how Tatsuya Imai again Munetaka Murakami both had to settle for contracts far below ours and others’ estimates, it seems possible that Okamoto may also sign for a lower price than expected. This opens the door for Mariners and any other applicants to get involved.
A “bet yourself” type of short-term contract with opt-out clauses would appeal to the Mariners, with the extra money likely to better meet the high demand for a player like Donovan or. Ketel Marte. Seattle would appear to be interested in Okamoto, given how the M’s appear poised to compete in 2026, and the Mariners’ long history of hosting Japanese players.
