Kazuma Okamoto and Kona Takahashi Join MLB Posting Ranks

Post by : Mara Rahim

Prominent Japanese baseball players Kazuma Okamoto and Kona Takahashi are now eligible for signing by Major League Baseball teams via the posting system. MLB clubs have until January 4 to secure these talents, with signing opportunities commencing Friday.

Joining them is Munetaka Murakami, a power-hitting infielder whose 45-day posting window concludes on December 22, alongside right-handed pitcher Tatsuya Imai, available until January 2. This influx of Japanese players is catching the interest of MLB teams eager for both batting prowess and effective pitching.

Kazuma Okamoto, who is 29, had an impressive season in the Central League while playing for the Yomiuri Giants, boasting a .327 average with 15 home runs and 49 RBIs over 69 games, despite a significant injury that sidelined him for three months. He made a strong comeback in mid-August, maintaining his powerful hitting.

As a six-time All-Star, Okamoto has a career batting average of .277, with a total of 248 home runs and 717 RBIs accrued over 11 seasons in Japan's pro leagues. He has led the Central League in home runs three times, in 2020, 2021, and 2023. Noteworthy was his performance at the 2023 World Baseball Classic final, where he homered against Kyle Freeland of the Colorado Rockies, contributing to Japan's 3-2 victory over the U.S.

Kona Takahashi, who will celebrate his 29th birthday on February 3, pitches for the Seibu Lions in the Pacific League. In 2025, he recorded an 8-9 record with a 3.04 ERA, fanning 88 hitters while issuing 41 walks across 148 innings. This followed a tough 2024 season where he recorded an 0-11 record with a 3.87 ERA. Throughout his 11-year career, Takahashi holds a 73-77 record with a 3.39 ERA, demonstrating his reliability as a starting pitcher.

Under the protocol between MLB and Nippon Professional Baseball, signing teams will incur posting fees, calculated at 20% of the first $25 million of the player’s major league contract. The rate decreases to 17.5% for the subsequent $25 million and drops to 15% beyond the $50 million threshold, with an added 15% applicable for bonuses and exercised options.

These posting periods provide MLB teams a prime opportunity to add proven players from Japan's elite leagues. Okamoto stands out with his offensive capabilities and international credentials, while Takahashi adds depth and experience to pitching rosters. Teams aiming to bolster their lineups for the 2026 season will keep a close watch on these two talents, who possess great potential for immediate influence in the major leagues.