Okamoto’s Future Sparks Rift Between Abe and Giants’ Management

Management decision vs. on-field (or operational) decision

After going from league champions the previous year to finishing third behind Hanshin and DeNA in the regular season, the Giants were eliminated in the first stage of the Climax Series. The biggest issue this offseason was whether to allow infielder Kazuma Okamoto (29), the regular cleanup third baseman, to pursue a career in Major League Baseball.

“Okamoto suffered an injury during a game in May, forcing him to miss an extended period. He only returned to the first team in mid-August, and ultimately played in just 69 regular-season games. Even so, he managed to maintain a batting average close to .330, which was impressive,” said a former team official.

Okamoto’s desire to move to MLB is well-known. During last offseason’s contract renewal, he personally requested the opportunity to play in the major leagues.

“Thanks in part to his steady performance during the 2023 World Baseball Classic, MLB teams have a fairly high evaluation of him. Some reports even suggested that his posting fee could rival the massive contract received by Munetaka Murakami (25) of the Yakult Swallows,” the official added.

However, on October 21, Francis Romero of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America—who has accurately reported many transfer developments—cited multiple sources saying that “Okamoto is expected to forgo a posting transfer this offseason.”

What was behind this sudden turn from an almost certain MLB move to reports of him staying with the Giants?

“A disagreement arose between the field staff, led by manager Shinnosuke Abe (46), and the front office regarding Okamoto’s transfer,” explained a team insider.

“The front office argued that even if they blocked Okamoto’s posting transfer now, he would likely exercise his overseas free agency rights next year anyway. In that case, they would gain little from keeping him, so it makes more sense from a management perspective to let him transfer via posting and secure a substantial fee. That money can then be reinvested in new foreign players or free-agent signings,” the source said.

On the other hand, Abe, who is under strict orders to lead the Giants to consistent victories and is entering the final year of his three-year contract, had a different view. “If our main slugger leaves this offseason, especially when pitching reinforcements are likely to be prioritized, the team could collapse. We can’t afford to lose,” he argued. Considering the late Shigeo Nagashima’s legacy and the growing support for former star Hideki Matsui (51) as a future manager, Abe cannot risk losing next season.

On the 21st, while Okamoto was conducting personal training at the Giants’ stadium, he was asked about the reports that he would forgo posting. “I haven’t said anything about it. Besides, posting requires the team’s approval,” he said.

If Romero’s prediction proves correct again, the team will need to revise its financial plans, and Abe will likely breathe a sigh of relief.