"As the Blue Jays near their first spring game, fans are becoming endeared to the newest member of the roster, Kazuma Okamoto . Highlights have already emerged from the 29-year-old Japanese phenom, hitting home runs in live at-bats in the back fields of the Jays' Player Development Complex in Dunedin, creating tremendous hype for his eventual MLB debut."
"Manager John Schneider has made it clear that Ernie Clement will handle the majority of second-base duties after a remarkable 2025 postseason run, with Addison Barger moving to an outfield role in 2026. This leaves Okamoto as the sensible option to man third full-time. Some may say he should contribute in a platoon role, solely hitting left-handed pitching due to his proven prowess against southpaws in the NPB, though his numbers against righties are nothing to scoff at."
"In 2025 alone, he registered a .295 AVG and a 186 WRC+ against righties with 9 home runs (15 total) to pair with a 1.31 K/BB rate. Comparatively, Alejandro Kirk possessed a remarkable 1.21 K/BB rate against righties in 2025, and he is known for great plate discipline. Okamoto has been a consistent, well-rounded force in the NPB for a decade, displaying elite contact, power and above-average plate discipline. Offensively, there are reasons to believe he will succeed at third base full-time."
Kazuma Okamoto generated spring training buzz after homering in live at-bats at the Blue Jays' Dunedin complex. Manager John Schneider intends Ernie Clement to handle second base and Addison Barger to shift to the outfield, making Okamoto the leading candidate for full-time third base. Okamoto's 2025 numbers versus right-handed pitching (.295 AVG, 186 WRC+, nine homers, 1.31 K/BB) reflect sustained NPB production of contact, power and above-average plate discipline over a decade. Defensive ability at third remains uncertain; Okamoto posted a .985 fielding percentage and showed soft hands in ground-ball work, but he grades better at first base.
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