"His 2025 season with the Yomiuri Giants was hampered due to injury, but when healthy, he slashed .327/.416/.598 with 15 home runs in 293 plate appearances for a 210 wRC+. Okamoto had a strong 2024 season, slashing .280/.362/.501 with 27 home runs, but his 2023 season with the Giants remains his crown jewel. That season saw him slash .278/.374/.584 with 41 home runs in 589 plate appearances for a 179 wRC+."
"As for a fit on the Blue Jays, if he's destined to play first base full-time, there isn't much of a fit there, given the Blue Jays have Vladimir Guerrero Jr. under contract for the next 14 seasons. That said, Okamoto seems to be a slightly better fielder at third base compared to Murakami and has experience playing left field, playing 98 innings there in 2024."
The Blue Jays were listed among six MLB teams scouting a Japan vs. South Korea game where Okamoto appeared. Okamoto, 29, is expected to be posted this off-season alongside Munetaka Murakami and Tatsuya Imai. His 2025 season was limited by injury but produced elite rate stats when healthy; his 2024 and 2023 seasons showed significant power and on-base ability. Okamoto projects as a corner infielder likely to move to first base, though he offers better hit tools than Murakami and some defensive versatility, including third base and 98 innings in left field during 2024. The Blue Jays face roster constraints at first base and have other external and internal options.
Read at BlueJaysNation
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