As their posting windows near closure, Japanese free agents Tatsuya Imai and Kazuma Okamoto are holding in-person meetings with MLB clubs in Los Angeles this week. The 27-year-old right-hander Imai faces a Friday deadline, while 29-year-old infielder Okamoto has until Sunday. Both players, coming off strong NPB seasons, have drawn interest from multiple teams seeking to bolster their rosters.
Tatsuya Imai, a right-handed starter for the Saitama Seibu Lions, recorded a 1.92 ERA over 163 2/3 innings in 2025, striking out 178 batters while walking 45 and allowing just six home runs. Over his past three seasons, he has maintained a 2.18 ERA across 470 innings. His negotiating window closes Friday at 5 p.m. ET, after which he would return to Seibu if unsigned. Represented by Scott Boras, Imai is ranked as the No. 11 free agent and No. 4 starting pitcher available. Reports indicate interest from teams including the Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees, and Philadelphia Phillies, though the White Sox are considered a longshot following their recent signing of Munetaka Murakami.
Kazuma Okamoto, a corner infielder with the Yomiuri Giants, hit .322/.411/.581 with 15 home runs in 77 games during an injury-shortened 2025 season, posting a .992 OPS. A six-time NPB All-Star, he has a career slash line of .277/.361/.521 over 11 seasons and notched six consecutive 30-homer campaigns from 2018 to 2023. Primarily a third baseman earlier in his career, Okamoto has shifted to first base recently. His posting deadline is Sunday at 5 p.m. ET. Linked to the Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Angels, Toronto Blue Jays, and Boston Red Sox, Okamoto is visiting teams in person as time winds down.
These meetings come amid the MLB offseason, with clubs eyeing international talent to fill roster gaps. If either player signs, it would mark another successful transition from Nippon Professional Baseball to Major League Baseball.