The Toronto Blue Jays have labored to enhance a roster that pushed the Dodgers to additional innings in Recreation 7 of the World Collection.
Dylan Stop and Cody Ponce have been added to fortify the rotation, changing Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt. Tyler Rogers signed a three-year deal so as to add depth to the bullpen. The Blue Jays shifted their focus to the lineup on Saturday as ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that they’ve signed nook infielder Kazuma Okamoto. Jon Heyman from MLB Network reported that Okamoto will obtain a four-year, $60 million contract.
Okamoto had been one of many premier energy hitters in Nippon Skilled Baseball, hitting at the least 30 homers every season from 2018 via 2023 earlier than slumping to 27 homers in 2024.
Kazuma Okamoto provides Toronto Blue Jays one other harmful bat in center of lineup
Though Okamoto missed almost half of the 2025 season with a left elbow damage suffered in a collision at first base, he had a bounce-back efficiency final yr. He produced a .327/.416/.598 batting line over his 293 plate appearances, hitting 15 homers and 21 doubles. Okamoto is more than just a slugger, displaying spectacular plate self-discipline and call abilities – he drew 33 walks whereas placing out 33 instances in 2025 – with out sacrificing his energy.
Whereas Okamoto is more likely to be the Blue Jays major third baseman, he does have expertise across the diamond. He has 478 video games of expertise at first and was the Yomiuri Giants major first baseman in 2018, 2019 and 2024. Okamoto has additionally frolicked within the outfield, giving the Blue Jays a number of choices to get his bat into the lineup.
Okamoto provides one other probably harmful bat to the center of the Blue Jays lineup. First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has cemented his place as the most effective hitters in baseball and will have safety with Okamoto behind him. Outfielder Anthony Santander had a dreadful first season in Toronto, however had averaged 35 homers per season from 2022-24. If wholesome, his energy might drastically alter the lineup.
The Blue Jays want to add one other World Collection title. Signing Okamoto is one other step towards making that purpose a actuality.
