Mariners Involved In Kazuma Okamoto's Market

"Kazuma Okamoto's posting window closes at 4pm CT on Sunday, and there isn't yet any sense where the Japanese star might sign even as his deadline nears. Such teams as the Cubs, Blue Jays, Red Sox, Angels, Pirates, and Padres have reportedly shown some interest in Okamoto's services, and MLB.com's Mark Feinsand adds the Mariners to this list of clubs "connected to" the chase for the 29-year-old."

"While Okamoto has spent a lot of his career at the hot corner, however, he is more of a corner infielder than a true third baseman. During his time with the Yomiuri Giants, Okamoto logged 662 games played at third base and 478 games at first base. He also made 77 appearances in the outfield, so a Major League team might be open to using Okamoto as an occasional left fielder, as The Athletic's Will Sammon recently noted."

Kazuma Okamoto's posting window closes at 4pm CT on Sunday, with no clear landing spot as the deadline nears. The Cubs, Blue Jays, Red Sox, Angels, Pirates, Padres and Mariners have shown interest. Seattle had been prioritizing a second-base upgrade while evaluating third-base options such as top prospect Colt Emerson and Ben Williamson. Eugenio Suarez remains a possible veteran target, likely to receive designated-hitter duty if signed, and Brendan Donovan's versatility could shift him toward second base. Okamoto has split his career between third base (662 games), first base (478 games) and the outfield (77 appearances). Seattle could use Okamoto as an occasional left fielder, first baseman or DH when Josh Naylor or Randy Arozarena receive off days.

Read at MLB Trade Rumors