But the fact that we aren't even in on him for a very reasonable contract that would fit our budget is insane. I honestly think the ban on Japanese players could be real.
I think we can all agree that the Pittsburgh Pirates have had a successful offseason thus far — signing Ryan O-Hearn and trading for Brandon Lowe — but they could really put the cherrry on the Sundae if they manage to sign Japanese first baseman/ third baseman Kazuma Okamoto in the coming days, and the MLB scuttlebutt is heating up for the Okamoto to Pittsburgh rumors.
According to various posts on Twitter (it’s hot enough to earn it’s own Twitter News post), the Bucs have a four-year, $64 million offer in on Okamoto, which is currently the best offer among the top three teams vying for his services: Pirates, Los Angeles Angels and San Diego Padres.
Some reports say an Okamoto signing is imminent, while other say to have caution until January 4, when the signing deadline occurs. The Bucs offer also reportedly contains incentives up to $70 million.
