Jason Burgos
The New York Mets must be prepared to lose star slugger Pete Alonso in MLB free agency this winter. An intriguing replacement option has emerged this week.
New York benefited from a surprisingly weak free agent market a year ago and was able to ink the then-four-time All-Star to a two-year pact worth $54 million. However, after a big season in 2025, the first baseman is expected to opt out of the final year in his deal and test his value once again. But this time around, he is sure to get some healthy offers from various teams.
There is a good chance the Mets will need to replace the homegrown star this offseason, and an intriguing option officially just became available. On Wednesday, Yomiuri Giants star Kazuma Okamoto announced that he will be posted by his team and wants to take his talents to MLB this offseason.
- Kazuma Okamoto stats: 77 G, .322 AVG, .411 OBP, .581 SLG, .992 OPS, 15 HR, 51 RBI, 39 R
How much could Kazuma Okamoto cost the New York Mets?
Okamoto will be unfamiliar to the majority of MLB fans and will likely be confused with another Japanese star expected to be posted this offseason, Munetaka Murakami. However, the 11-year Nippon Professional Baseball league veteran is one fans should get used to hearing because he is one of the nation’s best players.
The Japanese star has played most of his time on the corner infield spots, but also has a bit of experience in the outfield. His versatility and above-average defense will certainly appeal to the Mets as they look to replace Alonso and improve the infield defense this winter. However, he can be a real impact talent at the plate.
From 2018 to 2023, the 29-year-old slugged 30 or more homers every season, peaking with 41 two years ago. While his home run numbers have gone down over the last two seasons, his overall batting stats have improved. In 77 games last season, he posted a slash line of .322/.411/.581/.992. It was the best average and on-base percentage numbers of his career.
So the next question is how much he will want in a contract. The top contracts given to Japanese position players have been Masataka Yoshida, getting five years, $90 million, and Seiya Suzuki, landing five years, $85 million in 2022. Okamoto is a better talent than those men. He may get a four-year pact worth $90 million or a three-year deal for $67.5 million.
Certainly not cheap, but much lower than what Alonso’s new annual rate will be
