Japanese Stars Kazuma Okamoto and Kona Takahashi Enter MLB Free Agency

Infielder Kazuma Okamoto and pitcher Kona Takahashi have officially entered Major League Baseball's posting system, making them available for teams to sign as free agents starting from Friday through January 4.

Both players are significant figures in Japanese baseball, with Okamoto being a six-time All-Star for the Yomiuri Giants and Takahashi a notable right-hander for the Saitama Seibu Lions. According to ESPN, Okamoto, who is 29 years old, had a strong season in 2023, hitting .327 with 15 home runs and 49 RBIs over just 69 games.

He faced a setback earlier in the year due to an elbow injury sustained in May but made a strong comeback by mid-August. Over his 11 seasons, he has accumulated a .277 batting average, with a total of 248 home runs and 717 RBIs, leading the Central League in home runs in 2020, 2021, and 2023.

His performance in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where he contributed to Japan's victory against the United States in the final by hitting a home run, further highlights his capabilities. Takahashi, who turns 29 on February 3, had an 8-9 record with a 3.04 ERA in the just-concluded season, striking out 88 batters and walking 41 over 148 innings.

His earlier seasons showcased more consistency, with a combined record of 22-16 and a 2.20 ERA between 2022 and 2023. However, his performance dipped in 2024, where he struggled significantly, finishing with a 0-11 record and a 3.87 ERA.

Overall, he has a career record of 73-77 with a 3.39 ERA in 11 seasons. Under MLB's posting agreement with Nippon Professional Baseball, the posting fee for teams signing these players will be structured based on the contract's total value.

This includes a 20% fee on the first $25 million of the contract, decreasing to 17.5% for the next $25 million, and 15% on amounts exceeding $50 million, alongside a supplemental fee for bonuses and escalators.

Okamoto and Takahashi join other notable players like Munetaka Murakami and Tatsuya Imai, who were also posted for MLB free agency earlier this month, further enhancing the pool of international talent available for MLB clubs looking to bolster their rosters during this offseason.

As teams assess their needs, the addition of these Japanese stars could provide significant boosts, particularly for clubs looking for offensive power and pitching depth in the coming season.