"Okamoto is another addition to an already very strong Blue Jays infield, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Ernie Clement, Addison Barger, and Andrés Giménez. Okamoto is primarily a corner infielder, but he is also capable of playing the outfield. During his introductory press conference on Tuesday, both Okamoto and Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins alluded to Okamoto taking on a utility role with the Blue Jays."
""We're set up so that he could impact our organization from a defensive standpoint in several ways," Atkins told reporters. Okamoto's defensive versatility mirrors that of Clement and Barger, giving the Blue Jays plenty of flexibility. In 2025, Okamoto had an 11.3 per cent strikeout rate. The Toronto Blue Jays had the lowest strikeout rate in MLB in 2025 (17.7)."
""This team will be a force to be reckoned with."@JakePeavy_22 and Greg react to Toronto's signing of Japanese standout Kazuma Okamoto. pic.twitter.com/mCMR2IFM8e- MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 5, 2026"
Toronto signed Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year, $60 million deal after six All-Star selections and multiple Japan Central League home run titles. Okamoto can play corner infield and outfield and is expected to fill a utility role, adding defensive versatility. The signing strengthens an infield already featuring Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Ernie Clement, Addison Barger, and Andrés Giménez. Okamoto posted an 11.3 per cent strikeout rate in 2025 while the Blue Jays as a team had the lowest MLB strikeout rate (17.7) that year. The move complicates Bo Bichette's free agency picture while increasing roster flexibility amid continued interest in Kyle Tucker.
Read at Jays Journal
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