"BREAKING: Japanese third baseman Kazuma Okamoto and the Toronto Blue Jays are in agreement on a free agent contract, sources tell ESPN.- Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 3, 2026 ESPN's Jeff Passan was the first to break the news. Okamoto becomes the first major batter added to the roster this offseason. The 29-year-old third baseman was widely regarded as the second best hitter to be posted from Japan this offseason, behind Munetaka Murakami - while others suggest he's actually the better all around player."
"In this 11 seasons playing in Japan, Okamoto has compiled a .277/.355/.501 slash line with 277 home runs an OPS of .856 and 1372 hits in 1377 games. As mentioned, many circled Okamoto as the second best hitter behind Murakami, solely based on Murakami's power numbers. But Okamoto is no slouch when it comes to having pop in his bat."
Kazuma Okamoto, a 29-year-old Japanese third baseman, agreed to a free-agent contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. Okamoto becomes the primary offensive addition after Toronto prioritized pitching upgrades earlier in the offseason. The Blue Jays signed Dylan Cease to a $200+ million contract and added Cody Ponce, secured Shane Bieber's opt-in, and brought Tyler Rogers to the bullpen. Okamoto hit .277/.355/.501 in 11 NPB seasons, with 277 home runs, a .856 OPS and 1,372 hits in 1,377 games. Okamoto offers consistent power and is widely viewed as one of the top hitters posted from Japan.
Read at Jays Journal
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