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Blue Jays Reportedly Land NPB Slugger Kazuma Okamoto on Four-Year, $60 Million Deal

The 29-year-old is expected to slot at third base, reshaping Toronto's remaining position-player plans.

Overview

  • Multiple outlets report an agreement between Toronto and Okamoto with the posting window set to close Sunday at 5 p.m. ET, and a formal team announcement was not cited in the reports.
  • Reports peg the contract at four years and $60 million, with some outlets adding a $5 million signing bonus and no opt-outs.
  • Okamoto is a six-time NPB All-Star and three-time home run leader who has logged extensive time at first and third base and limited outfield work.
  • With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. entrenched at first, Okamoto is expected to be Toronto’s primary third baseman, a move that raises lineup and defensive-allocation questions for Addison Barger, Ernie Clement and Andrés Giménez.
  • Coverage indicates the move reduces the likelihood of a run at Alex Bregman and complicates choices on Bo Bichette or Kyle Tucker, as the signing follows Toronto’s earlier pitching additions of Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce and Tyler Rogers.