What happened: Eight years after homering in the 2018 exhibition showcase, Kazuma Okamoto's blast against major league pitching remains a defining early marker of his career. The infielder drove a pitch deep during the 2018 MLB Japan All-Star Series prior to his transition stateside.

Why it matters: The 2018 showcase offered an early look at Okamoto's power against North American pitching before he set the single-season mark for Japanese-born rookies with 23 home runs in 2026. That power profile translated into an immediate impact role and established his standing across the league.

What to watch: Okamoto enters the winter preparing for the upcoming 2027 season following his record-breaking rookie campaign.