"With Okamoto joining the organization, where does he fit into the current roster picture? Corner infield Okamoto has spent the majority of his career split between third base and first base, with the nod going to the hot corner when it comes to more innings. He's held his own at third, authoring a .977 fielding percentage at the spot and has also earned the NPB equivalent of a Gold Glove Award."
"Right now, the Jays do have an open spot at third base for the Japanese product to slot into. Addison Barger and Ernie Clement split most of their time at the hot corner last season for the Jays, but Barger was also utilized in right field throughout the year, and Clement spent time at every infield position in 2025 due to his utility outlook."
"Okamoto also likely becomes the backup first baseman should Vladimir Guerrero Jr. become hurt or need a day off. Moving Barger to be a full-time right fielder seems like a logical move, one that gives Jose Bautista vibes. The 26-year-old boasts a triple-digit arm that plays well in the corner outfield, and he's held his own defensively at the spot with solid routes and feel for the position, so giving him some run to really lock down the position makes sense here."
Kazuma Okamoto signed a four-year, $60 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays after 11 seasons with the Yomiuri Giants, totaling 248 home runs in 1,074 NPB games. Okamoto offers power and positional versatility, having primarily played third base and first base while earning a .977 fielding percentage and an NPB-equivalent Gold Glove. Toronto currently has an open third-base role where Okamoto can slot in and would serve as backup first baseman to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. if needed. Moving Addison Barger to full-time right field and shifting Ernie Clement to second base are logical roster moves to accommodate Okamoto.
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