The Toronto Blue Jays have officially inked a four-year, $60 million US deal with Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto. The signing, which had been widely discussed the day before, adds a six-time all-star from Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league to the Blue Jays’ roster.
Okamoto, a 29-year-old who plays third base and first base, boasted impressive stats in his most recent season with the Yomiuri Giants, hitting .327 with 15 home runs and 49 RBIs in 69 games despite missing a significant portion of the season due to an elbow injury.
As per the MLB’s agreement with NPB, the Blue Jays are obligated to pay the Giants a posting fee of $10,875,000 for securing Okamoto’s services. In addition to this, Okamoto will receive a $5 million signing bonus, a $7 million salary for this year, and $16 million annually for the following three seasons.
With the presence of five-time All-Star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first base, Okamoto is expected to primarily feature at third base. Notably, the Blue Jays have had various players, including Addison Barger, Ernie Clement, Will Wagner, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Buddy Kennedy, taking up positions at third base.
The addition of Okamoto to the team could prompt positional changes, such as Andres Gimenez moving from second base to shortstop if Bo Bichette, who is a free agent, does not re-sign. In the infield, Clement and Davis Scheider may divide playing time at second base.
In a corresponding roster move, the Blue Jays have designated right-handed pitcher Paxton Schultz for assignment.
Following a successful season where they narrowly missed winning the World Series, the Blue Jays have bolstered their squad with key acquisitions. They have secured right-hander Dylan Cease on a lucrative $210 million, seven-year contract, signed right-hander Cody Ponce to a $30 million, three-year deal, and agreed to a $37 million, three-year contract with reliever Tyler Rogers.
Furthermore, right-hander Shane Bieber has chosen to exercise a $16 million player option for the 2026 season instead of testing free agency.