The Toronto Blue Jays have officially inked a four-year, $60 million US contract with Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto. Okamoto, a standout performer in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league with six all-star selections, agreed to the deal after it was widely publicized on Saturday.
At 29 years old, Okamoto, who primarily plays third base and first base, boasted impressive stats last season with the Yomiuri Giants, hitting .327 with 15 home runs and 49 RBIs in 69 games despite missing significant time due to an elbow injury. As part of the MLB’s posting agreement with NPB, the Blue Jays are obligated to pay the Giants a posting fee of $10,875,000.
The contract details reveal that Okamoto will receive a $5 million signing bonus, a $7 million salary for this year, and $16 million annually for the next three seasons. His addition to the team likely means he will predominantly play at third base alongside Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who typically occupies first base.
The signing of Okamoto could lead to positional shifts within the Blue Jays lineup, with possible changes in the roles of Addison Barger, Ernie Clement, Will Wagner, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Buddy Kennedy. In a corresponding roster move, right-handed pitcher Paxton Schultz has been designated for assignment by the Blue Jays.
Following their near-miss in the World Series, the Blue Jays have bolstered their roster significantly. They secured right-hander Dylan Cease on a lucrative seven-year, $210 million deal, signed right-hander Cody Ponce to a three-year, $30 million contract, and reached a three-year, $37 million agreement with reliever Tyler Rogers. Additionally, right-hander Shane Bieber opted to exercise his $16 million player option for the 2026 season instead of exploring free agency.