Japanese players Tatsuya Imai and Kazuma Okamoto are meeting with MLB clubs in Los Angeles ahead of their signing deadlines, with Imai’s negotiation window closing Friday at 5 p.m. and Okamoto’s on Sunday. Imai, a 27-year-old pitcher with a 1.92 ERA last season for the Seibu Lions, has attracted interest from teams like the Orioles and Yankees. Okamoto, 29, offers versatility and a strong offensive record, linking him to clubs including the Red Sox and Blue Jays. If neither player finalizes a deal, they will return to Nippon Professional Baseball for the 2026 season.



