Particle.news
Download on the App Store
117 ARTICLES
·
17h ago

Reports: Blue Jays Reach Four-Year Deal With Japan Slugger Kazuma Okamoto

The reported four-year, $60 million pact positions the 29-year-old power bat as Toronto’s likely third baseman.

Image
Image
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 20: Kazuma Okamoto #25 of Team Japan runs to first base after being walked during the sixth inning against Team Mexico during the World Baseball Classic Semifinals at loanDepot park on March 20, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 30: Aaron Judge #99, Paul Goldschmidt #48, and Cody Bellinger #35 of the New York Yankees look on from the dugout during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on May 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Overview

  • ESPN’s Jeff Passan and other outlets report Toronto has an agreement with Okamoto ahead of his posting-window deadline, though the club has not made it official.
  • Multiple reports put the terms at four years and $60 million, with some local reporting a $5 million signing bonus and no opt-outs.
  • Okamoto is a six-time NPB All-Star with six 30-plus homer seasons, and he hit .327 with 15 home runs in an injury-shortened 2025.
  • With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. entrenched at first base, Okamoto is expected to play third, where he has extensive experience, with limited past time in the outfield; internal options include Addison Barger and Ernie Clement.
  • The move marks Toronto’s first major position-player addition after pitching signings of Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce and Tyler Rogers, and could reshape pursuits involving Bo Bichette, Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman.