The Toronto Blue Jays have officially inked a four-year, $60 million deal with Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto. Okamoto, a standout in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league with six all-star selections, joins the Blue Jays after a successful season with the Yomiuri Giants where he batted .327 with 15 home runs and 49 RBIs in 69 games, despite missing a significant portion due to an elbow injury.
As part of the MLB’s agreement with NPB, the Blue Jays are required 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 next three seasons.
Expected to primarily fill the third base position alongside first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Okamoto’s addition may prompt positional changes within the team. Notably, Andres Gimenez could transition to shortstop if Bo Bichette does not re-sign, while Addison Barger, Ernie Clement, Will Wagner, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Buddy Kennedy may see shifts in their roles.
In a corresponding roster move, the Blue Jays have designated right-handed pitcher Paxton Schultz for assignment. Following a strong performance in the previous season, the Blue Jays have continued to bolster their squad by signing key players like right-hander Dylan Cease to a $210 million, seven-year deal, agreeing on a $30 million, three-year contract with right-hander Cody Ponce, and securing a $37 million, three-year agreement with reliever Tyler Rogers. Additionally, right-hander Shane Bieber opted to exercise his $16 million player option for the 2026 season instead of exploring free agency.