"As a corresponding move, the club designated right-hander Paxton Schultz for assignment, opening a spot on the 40-man roster. Schultz made his major league debut with the Blue Jays last season, tying the record for most strikeouts by a reliever in his debut with eight versus the Seattle Mariners on April 20. In total, the 27-year-old made 13 appearances (two opener starts), pitching to a 4.38 ERA and 4.07 FIP with 28 strikeouts and eight walks."
"What shouldn't have trouble carrying over is Okamoto's elite plate discipline, which saw him produce a double-digit walk rate in five of his eight seasons in Japan and a strikeout rate of less than 20 per cent in all but one of those seasons. Even after landing the right-handed-hitting Japanese star, the Blue Jays don't appear to be finished with their offensive upgrades this winter, keeping them in the mix for Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette in free agency, as well as Cody Bellinger."
Kazuma Okamoto signed a four-year, $60 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays and is listed primarily as a third baseman while also expected to split time at first base and left field. The Blue Jays designated right-hander Paxton Schultz for assignment to open a 40-man roster spot. Schultz made his MLB debut last season, tying a reliever debut record with eight strikeouts and posting a 4.38 ERA across 13 appearances. Okamoto is a six-time NPB All-Star with multiple 30-home-run seasons, noted for elite plate discipline and strong walk rates. Toronto remains active in pursuing other offensive free agents and has committed $337 million so far.
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