The Toronto Blue Jays have officially inked a four-year, $60 million US contract with Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto. Okamoto, a six-time all-star in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league, finalized the deal on Sunday after widespread reports emerged on Saturday.
The 29-year-old player, who primarily serves as a third baseman and first baseman, showcased his skills by hitting .327 with 15 home runs and 49 RBIs in 69 games for the Yomiuri Giants last season, despite missing a significant portion of the season due to an elbow injury. As part of the agreement under MLB’s posting system with NPB, the Blue Jays are obligated to pay the Giants a posting fee of $10,875,000.
Okamoto’s contract includes a $5 million signing bonus, a $7 million salary for the current year, and $16 million annually for the subsequent three seasons. With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. anchoring first base, Okamoto is expected to primarily feature at third base, potentially displacing previous starters Addison Barger, Ernie Clement, Will Wagner, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Buddy Kennedy in that position.
Moreover, the signing of Okamoto could trigger position changes within the Blue Jays’ roster, with Andres Gimenez possibly transitioning from second base to shortstop if free agent Bo Bichette does not re-sign. Additionally, Clement and Davis Scheider might divvy up playing time at second base.
In a corresponding roster move, the Blue Jays have designated right-handed pitcher Paxton Schultz for assignment. Following their near-miss in the World Series, the Blue Jays have bolstered their lineup significantly. They recently secured right-hander Dylan Cease on a lucrative $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 agreement with reliever Tyler Rogers. Furthermore, right-hander Shane Bieber opted to exercise his $16 million player option for the 2026 season instead of testing free agency.