Sources indicate there is no imminent movement at this time regarding a potential signing for 3B Kazuma Okamoto. He’s expected to sign closer to the end of his posting window on January 4.
MLB Notebook: Kazuma Okamoto meeting with teams stateside, Mitch White re-signs in KBO, Zach Eflin targeting Opening Day return
Photo credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
By Thomas Hall
Dec 30, 2025, 12:30 ESTUpdated: Dec 30, 2025, 12:00 EST
Several talented free-agent players remain available on the North American market. However, with only a few days left in 2025, all eyes have shifted to the International crop involving a pair of highly coveted Pacific-Rim free agents.
One way or another, there’ll be significant developments on those fronts in the coming days.
Kazuma Okamoto Travels to U.S., Posting Deadline Nearing
Okamoto, whose posting window closes on Jan. 4 at 5 p.m. ET, has landed stateside in advance of holding in-person meetings with teams this week. The Scott Boras client doesn’t appear close to signing an agreement yet, but negotiations are destined to intensify as interested suitors meet with the free-agent infielder.
The 29-year-old has drawn interest from multiple clubs thus far, including the Toronto Blue Jays, San Diego Padres, Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Angels.
If Okamoto’s posting deadline passes without a deal in place with an MLB club, the six-time 30-home-run hitter would be forced to return to Japan for the 2026 season. But all indications suggest he’ll sign by that date and begin his major league career next season.
Fellow Japanese free agent Tatsuya Imai — who must sign with an MLB club by Jan. 2 at 5 p.m. ET — also figures to find a new home shortly. There hasn’t been as much speculation regarding his potential suitors, though any organization seeking front-line starting pitching would benefit from acquiring his services, as the right-handed starter won’t turn 28 until next May.
Mitch White Returning to KBO in 2026
A blast from the past is back in the news cycle.
The 31-year-old White, who spent three seasons with the Blue Jays organization from 2022-24, agreed to a one-year extension with the SSG Landers of the Korea Baseball Organization on Monday, reportedly worth $1.2 million USD.
White excelled during his inaugural KBO campaign in ’25, pitching to an encouraging 2.87 ERA and 3.44 FIP over 24 starts (134.2 innings), registering a .218 OPP AVG and 16.5 per cent strikeout-minus-walk rate (K-BB%).
SSG announced they re-signed Mitch White for $1.2 million and Gulliermo Heredia for $1.3 million
SSG랜더스가 29일 외국인 투수 미치 화이트와 총액 120만 달러, 타자 기예르모 에레디아와 총액 130만 달러에 재계약을 맺었습니다.
It was a considerable step forward after the veteran righty had struggled mightily to find success at the major-league level for the past few seasons. Given how many pitchers have successfully revived their careers by playing overseas in recent years, another quality performance from White could pave the way for a return to the majors in 2027.
Zach Eflin Scheduled For First Post-Surgery Bullpen Session
In speaking to Baltimore-based reporters via Zoom on Monday, Eflin — who signed a one-year deal worth $10 million to return to the Orioles in ’26 — revealed he plans to throw his first post-surgery bullpen session on Jan. 6 (next Tuesday). He also said his goal “is to be ready for Opening Day,” but admitted those plans may ultimately have to be altered.
Orioles' Zach Eflin in a Zoom press conference says his first bullpen post-surgery is scheduled for Jan. 6 and "my goal is to be ready for opening day." He said that timeline could change but feels recovery is going strong.
Eflin was limited to just 14 starts (71.1 innings) during his second season in Baltimore after undergoing season-ending back surgery last August. That ailment significantly hindered his on-field production, resulting in his uncharacteristic 5.93 ERA and 5.64 FIP — both the worst of his career since 2017.
While many still believe the Orioles should continue prioritizing starting pitching upgrades this winter, especially with Framber Valdez, Ranger Suárez and Imai still available, there’s also a chance they could be finished making meaningful additions. If so, they’d enter next season with a starting five of Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish, Dean Kremer, Shane Baz (acquired from the Rays earlier this month) and Eflin (if healthy).
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