The Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly secured a free agent contract with Japanese third baseman Kazuma Okamoto, according to sources familiar with the situation. The 29-year-old player is recognized for his impressive record in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), where he has hit a league-leading 247 home runs since his debut in 2018.
Okamoto’s home run record surpasses that of Munetaka Murakami, who recently signed with the Chicago White Sox in December. Over his career with the Yomiuri Giants, Okamoto consistently demonstrated power at the plate, hitting at least 27 homers in every season until a setback in 2025, when he managed only 15 home runs due to an elbow injury sustained during a collision at first base.
While Okamoto does not match Murakami’s peak power numbers or high-end exit velocities, he brings a solid overall skill set to the Blue Jays. His batting average increased significantly in the last two seasons, posting .280 in 2024 and .327 in 2025, alongside a notable reduction in strikeout rates, which dropped from 16% to 11%.
Transitioning to the Major Leagues
Okamoto has primarily played third base in Japan but has substantial experience at first base, having participated in 474 games at that position throughout his career. This versatility is expected to facilitate his transition to Major League Baseball (MLB). Teams looking for cost-effective alternatives to power hitters like Pete Alonso found Okamoto’s combination of reliability and experience appealing.
In terms of contractual obligations, the Blue Jays will pay a posting fee to Okamoto’s former NPB club. The fee structure involves a payment of 20% on the first $25 million, 17.5% on the next $25 million, and 15% on any amount exceeding $50 million. This financial model is standard for MLB teams signing players through the posting system.
Okamoto’s Achievements and Impact
With a career batting average of .277, alongside 248 home runs and 717 RBIs, Okamoto has established himself as a formidable player in the NPB. His accolades include being named an All-Star six times and representing Team Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where he notably hit the go-ahead home run in the gold medal game against the United States.
In that tournament, Okamoto recorded seven RBIs over 18 at-bats, showcasing his ability to perform on an international stage. As he joins the Blue Jays, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how his skills translate to the competitive landscape of MLB.
ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel contributed to this report, highlighting the significance of Okamoto’s signing and its potential impact on the Blue Jays’ offensive strategies in the upcoming season.
