The Boston Red Sox have been steady for most of the season, with a few rough stretches along the way. They’ve gone 7-3 in their last 10 games and now sit just 3.5 games back in the AL East.
If Boston keeps its momentum going over the next month, the division title is within reach. A pivotal three-game series against the New York Yankees looms next week, giving the Sox a prime chance to make up ground head-to-head.
Looking further ahead, though, questions remain about the team’s roster makeup. One glaring need is a long-term solution at first base. Jake Elman of FanSided projected that Boston could address the issue by signing Japanese star, one of NPB’s most highly regarded players.
Elman noted that teams may view Okamoto either as a corner infielder or primarily as a designated hitter, but the Red Sox appear to be a natural fit. He suggested Okamoto could step in at first base right away, filling a void that has lingered since Triston Casas went down earlier this season.
Bringing in a talent like Kazuma Okamoto would certainly be appealing for the Boston Red Sox. But as ESPN’s Jeff Passan pointed out, it’s far from certain that the slugger will even be available to MLB teams next season.
Since Nippon Professional Baseball clubs ultimately control whether players like Okamoto can be posted, Boston will have to wait and see if the opportunity to pursue him arises.
Okamoto has shown his power this year with 11 home runs and 33 RBIs, though a left elbow injury has limited him to 56 games.
Passan noted that MLB could see another wave of Japanese stars as soon as 2026. Among those eyeing the jump are right-hander Tatsuya Imai and third basemen Munetaka Murakami and Okamoto. Their MLB futures, however, depend on whether their NPB teams choose to post them before they reach the nine-year service mark required for free agency.
Alternative to Kazuma Okamoto
If Kazuma Okamoto doesn’t become an option for the Boston Red Sox—or if the team chooses to pass on him—there will still be other first base solutions available.
SportsNaut recently connected Boston to Mets slugger Pete Alonso, who could provide the type of power and reliability the Red Sox have been searching for.
“The Red Sox have been trying to find a steady first baseman for months after Rafael Devers declined to move to the position. Alonso would be the top free-agent option, though if Alex Bregman opts out, retaining him could become Boston’s biggest priority,” wrote Matt Johnson.
Alonso might even make more sense than Okamoto, given his proven track record in the majors. While international stars always carry some uncertainty, Alonso’s production is undeniable—he’s already posted 33 home runs and 113 RBIs this season.