Before moving to Major League Baseball, Kazuma Okamoto asked his daughter which MLB team logo she liked best, and like him, she chose the Toronto Blue Jays. The reigning AL champions formally introduced Okamoto, a 29-year-old corner infielder, in a press conference on Tuesday after signing him to a four-year, $60 million deal.
Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins described Okamoto’s acquisition as a key milestone for the team, which came off a strong offseason signing three pitchers, including Dylan Schiess on a $210 million, seven-year contract. Okamoto greeted fans in mostly Japanese with some English, expressing gratitude and enthusiasm to contribute to the Blue Jays.
Okamoto, who played 69 games last year for Japan’s Yomiuri Giants with a .327 batting average, 15 home runs, and 49 RBIs, missed a chunk of the season due to an elbow injury. Over 11 seasons in Japan’s major leagues, he amassed a .277 batting average, 248 home runs, and 717 RBIs, earning All-Star honors six times and leading the Central League in home runs thrice.
Atkins praised Okamoto’s dynamic offensive skill set and versatility, noting that the team values his ability to play multiple positions. While no defensive position has been finalized for Okamoto, Atkins emphasized ongoing discussions regarding his role.
Though the Blue Jays remain open to additional roster moves, Atkins acknowledged new signings could affect playing time for existing major league players. Among notable free agents is two-time All-Star shortstop Bo Bichette, a key contributor last season. Okamoto also played a pivotal role in Japan’s win over the U.S. in the 2023 World Baseball Classic finals and hopes to represent Japan again in 2026.
Okamoto joked that new Blue Jays manager John Schneider’s intimidating look on TV contrasts with his kind nature, a sentiment confirmed after their video call meeting.
Fan Take: Kazuma Okamoto’s signing is an exciting boost for the Blue Jays, blending proven international talent with their competitive MLB roster. This move not only highlights baseball’s global reach but also promises greater diversity and skill in the sport’s future.
