On the morning of New Year’s Eve, Giants fans across Japan can’t even focus on their soba noodles. Phones in hand, hearts racing—there’s only one reason:
Kazuma Okamoto’s potential move to MLB.
Let’s start with the conclusion first:
👉 Nothing is official yet.
But at the same time, there’s a very high chance everything gets decided today.
Below is a complete, up-to-the-minute summary—timeline, atmosphere, and all the tension that comes with a New Year’s Eve showdown.
✅ What Is Confirmed (as of 9:20 AM JST, Dec 31)
- No official announcement yet
- NPB Giants: silent
- MLB teams: silent
- Boras Corporation: predictably silent
- Kazuma Okamoto is still in the United States
- Reported locations:
- Around Pittsburgh
- Or near Los Angeles
- Reported locations:
In short, this is the most nerve-wracking scenario possible:
“It feels like everything is decided behind the scenes… yet absolutely nothing is public.”
🕰️ Timeline: Last Night to This Morning Was Chaos
■ Night of Dec 30 – Early Morning Dec 31
- Pittsburgh Pirates held a final in-person meeting
- Local media simultaneously reported:
“The Pirates are the front-runner.”
→ Suddenly, Pittsburgh became the clear favorite.
■ Around 5:00 AM JST
- Los Angeles Angels launched a late counterattack
- “This isn’t over yet.”
- “A last-minute reversal is still possible.”
■ Around 7:00 AM JST
- San Diego Padres unexpectedly re-entered the race
- Final offer reportedly still on the table
→ A three-team battle officially begins.
- Final offer reportedly still on the table
■ 8:30 AM JST
- MLB insider Ken Rosenthal reported:“A decision is expected today (Japan time, tonight).”
👉 This is where the “New Year’s Eve decision” narrative suddenly became very real.
📊 Current Odds (Based on X + US Media Buzz)
- Pirates: 60%
- Angels: 25%
- Padres: 10%
- Others / Staying in Japan: 5%
※ These are unofficial “vibes,” not hard numbers.
※ Still, Pittsburgh leading the race is nearly a consensus view.
💰 Contract Details (Largely Finalized)
- 5 years, $90–100 million
- Approx. ¥12.5–14 billion
- Performance incentives included
- No-trade clause attached
👉 This would be a historic-level contract for a position player coming directly from NPB.
📱 Giants Fans’ Timeline This Morning: Absolute Chaos
Trending Topics
- #KazumaDontDragThisToNYE
- #OkamotoYearEndStayChallenge
- Pittsburgh weather (snow)
Real Fan Reactions
- “Waiting on New Year’s Eve morning with no announcement… is this even legal?”
- “Good morning… will there be an Okamoto update today? 🐰⚾️”
- “A secret overseas trip, seriously?”
- “Please, just pick a team with a warm home stadium.”
- “Sakamoto at third base full-time, we’re fine… right?” (coping)
- “If the New Year starts with ‘Okamoto signs with the Pirates,’ I’m skipping my shrine visit and crying.”
👉 The timeline is overflowing with people who simply cannot move on to 2026 until Kazuma Okamoto decides.
🧠 Final Summary (For Now)
- A decision very likely comes today
- Announcement timing: afternoon to evening (JST)
- Pirates are favored, but nothing is locked in
- Giants fans’ mental stamina is already at zero
It’s still before noon.
But it’s New Year’s Eve.
Looks like we may be welcoming 2026 together with Kazuma Okamoto—one way or another.
The moment anything breaks, we’ll update immediately.
For now… just prepare your heart.
Seriously. 🐰⚾️
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