The Boston Red Sox have pretty much figured out who’s going to be their starters at most of their positions for the long-term, but a major one still looms: first base.
Fansided’s Jake Elman believes the Sox could find one in NPB superstar Kazuma Okamoto, who’s predicted to be posted to the MLB this offseason.
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“Although Okamoto could theoretically play third base if Alex Bregman departs, we’re putting him at first base for the sake of conversation. Okamoto, who has split much of 2025 between first and third base, owns a .312 average, 11 home runs, and a .943 OPS over 226 plate appearances for the Giants. His 381 on-base percentage marks the fourth time in five years he’ll have at least a .360 OBP, which definitely makes him an attractive option for the Red Sox,” Elman wrote.
This isn't the first time the Sox have been linked to Okamoto, as the Sox could really use a bat like Okamoto’s at first. Someone who gets on base, and has the ability to knock runners in as well. He also has the ability to be available, something current Sox first baseman, Triston Casas, does not.
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In the past two seasons, Casas barely has over 100 more plate appearances than Okamoto has this season, and he only has five more home runs in those appearances. His batting averages were also nowhere near Okamoto’s .312, sitting at .241 in 2024 and .182 in 2025.
Hopefully the Sox look into Okamoto, as he could be their first baseman of the future for at least the next half-decade. And, he could be the driving force rookie that brings them a World Series, reminiscent of Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hideki Okajima in 2007.
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