Overview
- The Blue Jays announced a four-year, $60 million contract for Kazuma Okamoto, including a $5 million bonus, $7 million in year one, then $16 million annually for three seasons.
- Insider Jim Bowden relayed that Toronto told him the club can pursue either Kyle Tucker or Bo Bichette but not both, and that Alex Bregman is no longer a realistic target.
- Coverage from The Athletic, echoed in subsequent reports, links Okamoto’s annual value to tighter payroll limits and potential exposure to competitive-balance tax thresholds.
- Bowden questioned Okamoto’s defensive fit, calling him below average at third base and better at first, where Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is entrenched, with DH at-bats constrained by George Springer and Anthony Santander.
- Okamoto brings significant power from NPB with 248 career home runs, as Toronto continues a win-now posture after earlier pitching additions of Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce and Tyler Rogers.