Blue Jays continue to be all-in by signing Kazuma Okamoto

The Toronto Blue Jays have worked to improve a roster that pushed the Dodgers to extra innings in Game 7 of the World Series.

Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce were added to fortify the rotation, replacing Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt. Tyler Rogers signed a three-year deal to add depth to the bullpen. The Blue Jays shifted their focus to the lineup on Saturday as ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that they have signed corner infielder Kazuma Okamoto. Jon Heyman from MLB Network reported that Okamoto will receive a four-year, $60 million contract.

Okamoto had been one of the premier power hitters in Nippon Professional Baseball, hitting at least 30 homers each season from 2018 through 2023 before slumping to 27 homers in 2024.

Kazuma Okamoto gives Toronto Blue Jays another dangerous bat in middle of lineup

Although Okamoto missed nearly half of the 2025 season with a left elbow injury suffered in a collision at first base, he had a bounce-back performance last year. He produced a .327/.416/.598 batting line over his 293 plate appearances, hitting 15 homers and 21 doubles. Okamoto is more than just a slugger, showing impressive plate discipline and contact skills - he drew 33 walks while striking out 33 times in 2025 - without sacrificing his power.

While Okamoto is likely to be the Blue Jays primary third baseman, he does have experience around the diamond. He has 478 games of experience at first and was the Yomiuri Giants primary first baseman in 2018, 2019 and 2024. Okamoto has also spent time in the outfield, giving the Blue Jays several options to get his bat into the lineup.

Okamoto adds another potentially dangerous bat to the middle of the Blue Jays lineup. First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has cemented his place as one of the best hitters in baseball and should have protection with Okamoto behind him. Outfielder Anthony Santander had a dreadful first season in Toronto, but had averaged 35 homers per season from 2022-24. If healthy, his power could drastically alter the lineup. 

The Blue Jays are looking to add another World Series title. Signing Okamoto is another step toward making that goal a reality.