The Toronto Blue Jays have officially inked a four-year, $60 million US contract with Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto. The deal, which was widely reported on Saturday, brings the six-time all-star from Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league to the Blue Jays.
Okamoto, a 29-year-old player who excels as a third baseman and first baseman, showcased his talents by hitting .327 with 15 home runs and 49 RBIs in 69 games for the Yomiuri Giants last season, despite missing a significant portion of the season due to an elbow injury.
As part of the agreement under MLB’s posting system with NPB, the Blue Jays will 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 next three seasons.
With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. holding down first base, Okamoto is expected to primarily feature at third base. The Blue Jays are likely to shuffle their infield, potentially moving Andres Gimenez from second base to shortstop if Bo Bichette does not return. In addition, there may be a rotation at second base between Ernie Clement and Davis Scheider.
In a corresponding roster move, the Blue Jays have designated right-handed pitcher Paxton Schultz for assignment.
Following their near-miss in the World Series last season, 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. Furthermore, right-hander Shane Bieber opted to exercise a $16 million player option for the 2026 season instead of exploring free agency.