"Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto is familiar with playing multiple defensive positions, spending time at first and third base during his eight seasons in the NPB, as well as occasionally shifting to left field. And that versatility will likely carry over to his tenure in North America, now a member of the Toronto Blue Jays. The Blue Jays, of course, highly covet versatile defenders, as most teams do these days."
"So, it shouldn't be surprising that it's one of the reasons they were drawn to Okamoto in free agency. That and, well, the middle-of-the-order power he brings as a former superstar with the Yomiuri Giants, who received six seasons of 30-plus home runs - including a career-high 41 in 2023. When Okamoto was officially introduced at the Rogers Centre on Tuesday, fresh off signing his"
"Okamoto, currently listed as a third baseman by the Blue Jays, logged more innings at the hot corner (431) than any other position last season. That's also where he won consecutive NPB Gold Gloves with the Giants from 2021-22. At the same time, many scouts agree that his fielding is better suited at first, where he earned more reps and won his third career Gold Glove in '24."
Kazuma Okamoto has played first base, third base and occasionally left field across eight NPB seasons. The Toronto Blue Jays signed him to a four-year, $60 million contract and list him currently as a third baseman. Okamoto combines middle-of-the-order power—six seasons of 30-plus homers, including a career-high 41 in 2023—with defensive versatility. He logged 431 innings at third in the most recent season and won consecutive NPB Gold Gloves at third in 2021-22, plus a Gold Glove at first in 2024. A left elbow injury limited him to 69 games last season and reduced outfield appearances. The Blue Jays may use him in a utility role.
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