Everything Pirates fans need to know about Kazuma Okamoto rumors, race vs Padres

So here we are. Two days left. Clock ticking. Posting window closing. And somehow — somehow — the Pittsburgh Pirates remain one of the last real teams standing in the Kazuma Okamoto race.

The Pirates showed interest from the jump when the Yomiuri Giants posted Okamoto back in November. Since then, they’ve reportedly held multiple virtual meetings with him and his infamous agent, Scott Boras. Okamoto is very much the profile this team needs: middle-of-the-order power, right-handed bat, legitimate third baseman, and still only 29 years old.

This isn’t a lottery ticket. This isn’t a reclamation gamble. This is a ready-made star who hit bombs in Japan, led the league in RBI twice, and has the swing and approach that should translate. It’s the kind of signing the Pirates barely even pretend to be involved in –– and yet, here we are.

At various points, Okamoto had been linked to the Los Angeles Angels, San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays and Arizona Diamondbacks. But here's how things have shaken out of late.

Angels? Out. Even with Anthony Rendon’s restructure, they reportedly won’t bid aggressively. Diamondbacks? Faded from the recent reporting. Cubs and Red Sox? Both have top-tier third-base prospects they want to play. Blue Jays? Could still jump in — but may be prioritizing Kyle Tucker/Bo Bichette-level pursuits. Padres? Very real threat … but also strapped for cash and already locked in at third base with Manny Machado.

That leaves the Pirates and the Padres to duke it out in the final stretch before Okamoto's posting window closes. And right now, multiple reports — and some insider chatter — suggest the Pirates may have the highest offer on the table.

Why Kazuma Okamoto makes more sense in Pittsburgh than San Diego

Let’s be honest — historically, West Coast clubs have an edge with Japanese stars. Media, comfort, familiarity — it all lines up. But baseball fit matters, too.

In Pittsburgh, Okamoto starts at third base. He becomes a face-of-the-franchise bat. He plays every day at his natural position. He anchors a young core around Paul Skenes.

Meanwhile, in San Diego, Machado blocks third base. Okamoto is likely a DH or first baseman. The payroll flexibility is limited. Plus, the Padres have lost more than they've gained lately. The Pirates? Quietly building something — trades, internal development, and yes, the Ryan O’Hearn signing.

MLB.com’s Alex Stumpf poured cold water on Pirates fans' hope this week when he said on the Bucco Bantr podcast that Pittsburgh –– while still very much involved in the race for Okamoto –– feels like a long shot to actually land him.

Because history.
Because money.
Because Pittsburgh.

We’ve seen this movie before. Just usually from the lobby, because the Pirates never buy a ticket. This time feels different, though. Not guaranteed. Not promised. Just … legitimate.

Pirates fans should be cautiously optimistic about Pittsburgh's chances of landing Kazuma Okamoto

Okamoto’s posting window closes Sunday at 5 p.m. ET. He is currently meeting with teams in Los Angeles. He will almost certainly choose by Saturday so medicals can be finalized.

The final hours have begun. This is real. This is happening. So, where do the Pirates stand?

Pittsburgh reportedly has a competitive — even leading — offer. Third base is wide open and waiting. The clubhouse fit makes sense. The baseball fit makes sense. The fanbase deserves this.

The Padres have less money and no third base opening, but the West Coast aura and history looms large. The Blue Jays are the wild card here, but only if they choose Okamoto over other megastar pursuits.

So, yes, the Pirates might be the most realistic home for Okamoto. And when was the last time we could say anything like that about a star international free agent?

If Okamoto signs in San Diego? We’ll sigh, mutter something about payroll, and move on. If he signs in Toronto? We’ll shake our heads and talk about window-dressing instead of winning. But if he signs in Pittsburgh? PNC Park becomes a destination again, Skenes suddenly has lineup protection, the Brandon Lowe/Ryan O'Hearn additions look even better, and the Pirates’ identity changes overnight.

So buckle up, Pirates fans. Refresh those feeds, and dare — just a little — to dream. Because this time, it really might happen.