Overview
- Toronto finalized a four-year, $60 million deal with NPB star Kazuma Okamoto and, per multiple reports, plans to deploy him in a multi-position role rather than locking him to one spot.
- At Okamoto’s introduction, Ross Atkins said further additions would cut into playing time for established pieces, signaling a focus on only true impact additions.
- Mitch Bannon of The Athletic and Ken Rosenthal report that re-signing Bo Bichette has grown increasingly unlikely following the Okamoto move and current infield alignment.
- The Blue Jays have stepped up talks with top free agent Kyle Tucker, with recent reports noting ongoing conversations and two industry sources labeling Toronto a leading suitor after his December visit.
- RosterResource estimates place Toronto around a $280 million payroll and roughly $308 million for luxury-tax purposes, a top-tier threshold that would tax additional big deals at a steep rate.