Kazuma Okamoto: Cubs’ Prime Target in MLB Free Agency This Offseason?

Kazuma Okamoto is emerging as a top target for Major League Baseball (MLB) teams during the upcoming offseason. The 29-year-old Japanese slugger has demonstrated impressive offensive prowess in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league, even if he and teammate Munetaka Murakami did not qualify for the batting title this year.

Kazuma Okamoto’s Performance in NPB

In the 2025 NPB season, Okamoto batted .327 with a .416 on-base percentage and a .598 slugging percentage over 69 games and 293 plate appearances. Despite facing injuries in recent seasons, he hit at least 30 home runs from 2018 to 2023, although that number dropped to 15 in the most recent year largely due to injury setbacks.

Comparison with Munetaka Murakami

Okamoto’s main competition in the MLB free agency market is Murakami, who is notably younger at 25. Murakami finished fifth in the NPB for home runs, hitting 22 in just 56 games and boasting a .273 batting average. Although Murakami has garnered significant attention in American baseball circles, Okamoto’s consistent offensive output and lower strikeout rate may make him a more attractive option for teams like the Chicago Cubs.

Okamoto’s Potential Fit for the Chicago Cubs

The Cubs are reportedly looking for right-handed power hitters to balance their lineup, and Okamoto could be an ideal fit. His right-handed bat stands in contrast to other Cubs’ players who hit from the left side. Given his impressive on-base abilities—including a low strikeout rate of 11.3%—he might be a strong addition to their roster.

Lineup Implications

Okamoto’s versatility allows him to play multiple positions, primarily first base and third base, making him a valuable asset in the Cubs’ competitive window. Here are potential lineups featuring Okamoto:

• Against Right-Handed Pitchers:
  • Nico Hoerner – 2B
  • Michael Busch – 1B
  • Seiya Suzuki – RF
  • Ian Happ – LF
  • Kazuma Okamoto – 3B
  • Moisés Ballesteros – DH
  • Dansby Swanson – SS
  • Miguel Amaya – C
  • Pete Crow-Armstrong – CF
• Against Left-Handed Pitchers:
  • Nico Hoerner – 2B
  • Seiya Suzuki – DH
  • Ian Happ – LF
  • Kazuma Okamoto – 1B
  • Dansby Swanson – SS
  • Matt Shaw – 3B
  • Kevin Alcántara – RF
  • Carson Kelly – C
  • Pete Crow-Armstrong – CF

Future Prospects

While Murakami may attract larger contracts due to his age and potential, Okamoto is expected to sign a deal more in line with previous NPB stars like Seiya Suzuki and Masataka Yoshida. The Cubs’ interest in Okamoto is further fueled by their existing Japanese connections, which could improve their chances of landing the player this winter.

Overall, Kazuma Okamoto’s capabilities and fit within the Cubs’ roster make him a prime target as the MLB free agency period approaches. His impressive track record and versatility are attributes that could greatly benefit the team’s lineup and strategy.