The Toronto Blue Jays confirmed the signing of Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto to a lucrative four-year, $60 million US contract on Sunday. Okamoto, a six-time all-star in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league, had his agreement with the Blue Jays widely publicized on Saturday.
The 29-year-old, who primarily plays third base and first base, boasted impressive statistics last season, hitting .327 with 15 home runs and 49 RBIs in 69 games for the Yomiuri Giants. However, he faced a setback when he missed more than half of the season due to an elbow injury.
Per the MLB’s posting agreement with NPB, the Blue Jays are required to pay the Giants a posting fee totaling $10,875,000. Okamoto’s contract includes a $5 million signing bonus, a $7 million salary for this year, and $16 million annually for the subsequent three seasons.
With Vladimir Guerrero Jr., a five-time All-Star, occupying first base, Okamoto is expected to primarily fill the third base position. The team’s third base position saw various players in the previous season, including Addison Barger, Ernie Clement, Will Wagner, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Buddy Kennedy.
The signing of Okamoto also prompts potential changes in other positions, such as the possible relocation of Andres Gimenez from second base to shortstop if free agent Bo Bichette does not re-sign. Additionally, players like Clement and Davis Scheider may share playing time at second base.
In a corresponding roster move, the Blue Jays designated right-handed pitcher Paxton Schultz for assignment.
Following a near-miss in the World Series last season, the Blue Jays have bolstered their roster significantly. They secured right-hander Dylan Cease on a substantial $210 million, seven-year contract, agreed to terms on a $30 million, three-year deal with right-hander Cody Ponce, and finalized a $37 million, three-year contract with reliever Tyler Rogers.
Furthermore, right-hander Shane Bieber opted to exercise his $16 million player option for 2026 instead of testing free agency.
