Red Sox Reportedly ‘Kicked Tires’ On Japanese Slugger Before Signing With Blue Jays

The Boston Red Sox reportedly had minor interest in Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto.

Okamoto has been one of the top hitters in Japan for years, and several teams showed interest in him. The slugger projects to be a third baseman in the majors, and on Saturday, he inked a four-year, $60 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Following Okamoto signing with Boston’s division rival, insider Chris Cotillo of MassLive reported the Red Sox “kicked tires” on the slugger.

“The Red Sox, who entered the winter with uncertainty at both corner infield spots due to Alex Bregman hitting free agency, were linked to Okamoto throughout his process but a source said late last month that the club had just “kicked the tires” on him,” Cotillo wrote on Saturday.

“The need lessened when Boston swung a deal with the Cardinals to acquire Willson Contreras to play first base. Third base remains a question mark with Bregman, who remains available, as the clear top choice to return in that position, and the Okamoto signing likely helps Boston’s chances.”

Okamoto hit .322 with 15 home runs and 81 RBIs in just 77 games last season in Japan. His career high is 41 home runs and 113 RBIs.

Following Okamoto coming off the board, the Red Sox expect other hitters to follow, according to Cotillo.

“The club, like many of its counterparts, believes the market for other top hitters might move now that the Okamoto bidding has ended,” Cotillo added.

Boston’s big offseason moves have come through trades, acquiring pitchers Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo, as well as first baseman Willson Contreras.