The Toronto Blue Jays have officially inked a four-year, $60 million US contract with Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto. The deal, which had been widely speculated on Saturday, brings a six-time all-star from Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league to the Blue Jays roster.
Okamoto, a 29-year-old who plays both third and first base, boasted a .327 batting average with 15 home runs and 49 RBIs across 69 games last season for the Yomiuri Giants. His season was interrupted by an elbow injury, causing him to miss more than half of the games.
In accordance with the MLB’s posting 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 this year, and $16 million annually for the subsequent three seasons.
Expected to primarily fill the third base position alongside first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Okamoto’s arrival may lead to position adjustments for other players such as Addison Barger, Ernie Clement, Will Wagner, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Buddy Kennedy. Additionally, the team designated right-handed pitcher Paxton Schultz for assignment in a corresponding move.
Following a near World Series win last season, the Blue Jays have been busy bolstering their roster. They recently secured right-hander Dylan Cease on a seven-year, $210 million contract, signed Cody Ponce to a three-year, $30 million deal, and agreed to a three-year, $37 million contract with reliever Tyler Rogers. Furthermore, right-hander Shane Bieber opted to exercise his $16 million player option for 2026 instead of testing free agency.