The Toronto Blue Jays have officially inked a four-year, $60 million US deal with Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto. The agreement, widely circulated on Saturday, brings Okamoto, a six-time all-star in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league, to the Blue Jays.
The 29-year-old, who primarily plays third and first base, boasted a .327 batting average with 15 home runs and 49 RBIs over 69 games last season for the Yomiuri Giants. Despite missing a significant portion of the season due to an elbow injury, Okamoto’s performance stood out.
In accordance with the MLB’s posting agreement with NPB, the Blue Jays are obligated to pay the Giants a posting fee of $10,875,000. Okamoto will receive a $5 million signing bonus, a $7 million salary for this year, and $16 million annually for the subsequent three seasons.
Given Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s presence at first base, Okamoto is likely to predominantly feature at third base. Notably, Addison Barger, Ernie Clement, Will Wagner, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Buddy Kennedy shared time at third base in the previous season.
Moreover, with Barger capable of playing right field, Okamoto’s arrival could prompt a positional shuffle, potentially leading to Andres Gimenez moving from second base to shortstop if free agent Bo Bichette does not re-sign. Clement and Davis Scheider might split time at second base.
In a corresponding roster move, the Blue Jays have designated right-handed pitcher Paxton Schultz for assignment.
The Blue Jays, who narrowly missed securing their first World Series title since 1993, have bolstered their squad significantly. In addition to Okamoto, the team signed right-hander Dylan Cease to a lucrative seven-year, $210 million contract, secured a three-year, $30 million deal with right-hander Cody Ponce, and reached a three-year, $37 million agreement with reliever Tyler Rogers. Furthermore, right-hander Shane Bieber opted to exercise his $16 million player option for 2026 instead of testing free agency.