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Blue Jays Land Okamoto

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Matthew Nethercott | Last updated Jan 3, 2026 1:37 PM ET

Japanese utility player Kazuma Okamoto and the Toronto Blue Jays are in agreement on a deal, sources confirm. Jeff Passan was first to report.

Blue Jays Land Okamoto

BREAKING: Japanese third baseman Kazuma Okamoto and the Toronto Blue Jays are in agreement on a free agent contract, sources tell ESPN.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 3, 2026

About Okamoto

The right-handed slugger possesses exceptional pull-side power, which has become one of his defining traits during his time with the Yomiuri Giants. Okamoto’s compact swing and quick hands allow him to generate tremendous bat speed, resulting in consistent hard contact to left field — a skill that should translate well to MLB. His ability to turn on inside pitches and drive them with authority makes him a legitimate home run threat, especially against high-velocity pitching, which is usually uncommon from NPB players due to the drop in average velocity between leagues.

In addition to Okamoto’s hitting skills, he has been one of the best defenders in Japan over the past few seasons, making him that much more coveted by teams looking for a good defender to platoon at first and third base, giving teams defensive versatility, with a promising bat. Okamoto has shown strong instincts, quick reactions, and a powerful arm across the diamond.

Kazuma Okamoto defense pic.twitter.com/l87QJKnFkg

— J (@jordanmay1414) December 26, 2025

Okamoto’s Fit with Toronto

Okamoto offers a versatile pop bat capable of stabilizing multiple positions for a Blue Jays team fresh off a World Series appearance. While he is primarily a corner infielder, the Jays are eyeing his ability to log innings in left field—a role he proved he could handle with 15 games there in 2024. This flexibility would allow manager John Schneider to rotate Okamoto through the lineup to give rest to stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. or to provide a high-floor alternative at the “hot corner” over internal options like Ernie Clement and Addison Barger.

Beyond his defensive utility, Okamoto’s offensive profile – defined by elite contact and right-handed power – fits the Blue Jays’ organizational philosophy of doing damage while limiting strikeouts. Despite an injury-shortened 2025 season that limited him to 77 games, he remained remarkably productive, slashing .322/.411/.581 with 15 home runs. Most impressively for Toronto’s evaluators, Okamoto finished the year with a rare 11.3% walk and strikeout rate, demonstrating a superior eye at the plate compared to other international targets. The Blue Jays continue to bolster their lineup this offseason looking to repeat as AL Champions, and possibly win it all.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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