US EditionBlue Jays to introduce new signing Kazuma Okamoto after $60M deal
Okamoto, a six-time Nippon Professional Baseball All-Star known for consistent power hitting, joins the Blue Jays to strengthen their lineup after a strong 2025 World Series run.
- The Toronto Blue Jays will formally introduce Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto in Toronto on Tuesday at 1 p.m., days after signing the 29-year-old to a four-year, $60-million contract.
- After more than a decade in Japan, Okamoto hit more than 30 home runs per season from 2018 to 2023 and eclipsed the 100 RBI mark twice with the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball.
- Despite limited 2025 action, Okamoto hit.322/.411/.581 with 15 home runs and 51 RBIs and helped Japan national team win the 2023 WBC championship.
- The move comes as the Blue Jays have committed more than $350 million to free agents, including Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce, and Tyler Rogers, altering their reported pursuit of Kyle Tucker or reunion with Bo Bichette.
- Okamoto's positional versatility gives Toronto lineup flexibility while payroll moves like Shane Bieber's opt-in for 2025, valued at more than $350 million, influence pursuit decisions.
34 Articles
34 Articles
Baseball: Okamoto excited to compete for championship with Blue Jays
New Japanese signing Kazuma Okamoto said Tuesday he was excited at the prospect of helping 2025 World Series runners-up the Toronto Blue Jays get over the hurdle and become champions of Major League Baseball again.
Daughter Becomes Kazuma Okamoto's Motivation As He Reveals Touching Reason Behind Blue Jays Signing
The Toronto Blue Jays caught the league by surprise when they signed Kazuma Okamoto, and the reason behind his decision added another unexpected layer. Rather than choosing a destination based on market size or tradition, Okamoto revealed that his daughter played a direct role in where he signed, turning a major baseball move into a personal family moment. For months, Toronto was linked to familiar offensive targets like Kyle Tucker, while some …
Los Angeles Times
Independent EspañolBefore moving from Japan to the big leagues, Kazuma Okamoto put the logos of the 30 MLB teams in front of her daughter and asked her which one she liked best.
The Chronicle-Journal
Jays' Okamoto likes utilityman role, GM not tipping hand on other potential moves
TORONTO - Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto got some help from his family when he was considering which Major League Baseball team might be the best fit for his services.
Unsure of Bichette's future, Jays welcome Okamoto
The Toronto Blue Jays introduced Kazuma Okamoto, their latest marquee addition Tuesday, but as Bo Bichette's free agency continues, general manager Ross Atkins was noncommittal on where the 29-year-old infielder might fit into the team's defensive plans.
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