Blue Jays need Kazuma Okamoto to bring more power in the lineup

Lack of consistency with Kazuma Okamoto

With the loss of Bo Bichette, the Blue Jays need Okamoto to harness more power to support other power hitters such as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Daulton Varsho. 

The former Yomiuri Giants star in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league has illustrated sparks of power when faced with high-velocity fastballs. The 29-year-old has two home runs, but has encountered difficulties with consistency at the plate. This has been most predominant when faced with breaking balls. 

In addition, with the loss of key hitters like George Springer and Alejandro Kirk due to injuries, they require reliable power from Okamoto. For him to be successful, Okamoto needs to make adjustments at the plate. He currently holds a high strikeout rate of 35 percent and needs to be more patient at the plate. 

His strikeout rate is vastly higher compared to 2025 (11.3 percent in NPB). His batting metrics also suggest that he's expanding the zone (26.4 percent chase rate and 36.2 percent whiff rate). If he's able to reduce his strikeout rate and adjust to boosted velocity and North American breaking balls, he can transform his slump. This overall demonstrates how he's a stable hitter who can help bolster the offense.