Several top pitchers from Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) have transitioned to the Major Leagues and quickly achieved success. Notably, Los Angeles ’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto played a key role in their 2025 World Series win, while Chicago Cubs’ Shota Imanaga was a strong contender for the Cy Young Award as a rookie in 2024.
In contrast, fewer position players have made a successful switch recently. However, the Toronto Blue Jays are placing their hopes on Kazuma Okamoto, a Japanese third baseman who has reportedly agreed to a deal, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The contract is said to be a four-year, $60 million agreement without opt-outs and includes a $5 million signing bonus, per MLB Network’s Jon Heyman.
Okamoto, 29, joins MLB after an impressive season with the Yomiuri Giants, batting .327/.416/.598 with 15 home runs in 69 games, though his playing time was limited by a left elbow injury. Throughout seven seasons up to 2025, he has averaged 33.1 home runs and played in about 138.5 games each season, showing both production and resilience.
Known for his disciplined hitting approach, Okamoto combines a high batting average and strong power with a low strikeout rate, making him a well-rounded hitter. While some decline is expected as he adjusts to MLB pitching, he set career-high power numbers last season despite a league-wide offensive slump in NPB. FanGraphs notes that his improved velocity metrics contributed to his success, a valuable trait for players transitioning to the Major Leagues.
Two concerns hang over Okamoto’s potential MLB impact. First, at almost 30 years old, some believe he may be nearing his peak with only a few prime years left. Second, recent NPB hitters moving to MLB have seen mixed results, with only Cubs’ Seiya Suzuki making a notable impact, while others like Boston’s Masanao Yoshida have struggled. Shohei Ohtani remains a unique case because of his exceptional two-way talent.
Okamoto does have some experience against MLB competition, having represented Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where he posted a 1.278 OPS and hit a home run off USA’s Kyle Freeland in the championship game, helping Japan secure the title. Additionally, just before the 2025 MLB season, he performed well against the Cubs during their season-opening series in Tokyo, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs.
Joining the Blue Jays, Okamoto aims to prove he can sustain success on a bigger stage over a longer period.
Fan Take: This signing is exciting for baseball fans as it highlights MLB’s growing appeal to top international talent beyond pitchers. If Okamoto thrives, it could pave the way for more NPB hitters to successfully transition, diversifying and strengthening the sport at its highest level.
