Okamoto deal doesn't close the door on Bo Bichette's future with the Blue Jays

"The Toronto Blue Jays have finally landed a bat this offseason and the number one question everyone seems to be asking is, "now what?" While the fanbase should be ecstatic that Toronto is bringing Kazuma Okamoto into the fold, there's also the worry that it means one of the franchise favourites won't be returning to the team in 2026. However, now that the contract numbers have been reported, it's safe to say that the Blue Jays, from a money perspective, should still very much be in the conversation to resign Bo Bichette."

"Reporter Jon Heyman wrote on X (formerly twitter) that the Blue Jays' deal with Okamoto is for four-years and $60 million. A $15 million annual average value, which is lower than this year's qualifying offer. After fellow Japanese players Munetaka Murakami (two-years $34 million) and Tatsuya Imai (three-years $54 million) signed with the White Sox and Astros respectively, the Blue Jays are getting their player for a similarly team friendly deal. While $20 million a season is nothing to sneeze at, it's much less than what superstars Bo Bichette, Kyle Tucker, Cody Bellinger and Alex Bregman were asking for."

"Okamoto's versatility can play a key role on the Blue Jays in 2026. While he'll likely be the everyday third baseman, a spot where he has been a Gold Glove award winner in Nippon Professional Baseball, he's also been an above average defender at first base, and has logged time in the outfield. Third just seems to be the position that makes the most sense giving the current roster configuration. Okamoto slashed .277/.361/.521 with 248 home runs and 717 RBI over 11 NPB seasons."

Kazuma Okamoto signed a four-year, $60 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, a $15 million average annual value that is lower than this year's qualifying offer. Fellow Japanese players Munetaka Murakami (two years, $34 million) and Tatsuya Imai (three years, $54 million) signed with the White Sox and Astros, respectively, making Okamoto's deal similarly team-friendly. The contract should preserve payroll flexibility and keep the Blue Jays in the conversation to re-sign Bo Bichette. Okamoto projects primarily as the everyday third baseman, where he won a Gold Glove in Nippon Professional Baseball. He also has above-average defense at first base and experience in the outfield, and his NPB career line is .277/.361/.521 with 248 home runs and 717 RBI over 11 seasons.

Read at Jays Journal