MLB news: Blue Jays reportedly sign Japanese star Kazuma Okamoto to big contract
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The Toronto Blue Jays, who are two runs away from winning the World Series, continue to make big moves in free agency to strengthen their roster.
According to multiple reports, the Blue Jays have signed Japanese star infielder Kazuma Okamoto. The duration of the contract is 4 years and 60 million dollars. New York Post.
Okamoto starred on Nippon Professional Baseball’s most established team, the Yomiuri Giants, Japan’s equivalent of the New York Yankees.
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Yomiuri Giants first baseman Kazuma Okamoto throws a ground ball against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning at Tokyo Dome in Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan, March 15, 2025. (Darren Yamashita/Imagn Images)
The 29-year-old was a six-time All-Star in Japan and had a role both on and off the field. He led the NPB Central League in home runs in 2020, 2021 and 2023.
Okamoto had six consecutive seasons with 30 or more home runs starting in 2018. His career high in home runs came in 2023 when he hit 41.
Okamoto can play first base and third base, winning two Gold Gloves at third base and one Gold Glove at first base.
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Yomiuri Giants first baseman Kazuma Okamoto hits a single against the Chicago Cubs during the second inning at the Tokyo Dome in Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan, March 16, 2025. (Darren Yamashita/Imagn Images)
In 2025, Okamoto was limited to just 69 games after suffering a left elbow injury in a collision with a batter running down the line while playing starter. However, in limited action Okamoto was outstanding; He hit .327 with 15 home runs and 49 RBIs, good for a 1.014 OPS.
In 11 seasons in NPB, Okamoto had a .277 batting average with 248 home runs and 717 RBIs.
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Kazuma Okamoto of Team Japan hits a solo home run in the bottom of the fourth inning during the World Baseball Classic Championship game at CreditDepot Park in Miami, Florida on March 21, 2023. (Gene Wang/Getty Images)
Okamoto has already had success in the United States, striking out Kyle Freeland to help Japan beat the United States in the 2023 World Baseball Classic final.
The Blue Jays had signed starting pitcher Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million contract; a three-year, $30 million contract to KBO MVP Cody Ponce; and relieved Tyler Rogers with a three-year, $37 million contract. The Blue Jays hope their addition of Okamoto and all their other acquisitions will help them get back to the World Series.
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