The Toronto Blue Jays made another big splash coming off their first World Series trip in more than three decades, agreeing to a deal with Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto, according to multiple reports.
Okamoto, 29, hit 30 home runs every year from 2018-23, clubbing a career-high 41 in 2023 for the Yomiuri Giants. A right-handed hitter, Okamoto has split time between first and third base in recent seasons, also getting some reps in the outfield.
Okamoto is the latest acquisition in a busy offseason for the Blue Jays, who have already signed pitchers Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce and Tyler Rogers since losing in seven games to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2025 Fall Classic.
The Japanese import could become Toronto’s primary third baseman with Addison Barger presently penciled in at the hot corner. While Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is entrenched at first base for the Blue Jays, Okamoto could also provide the $500 million man with some defensive days off.
Okamoto was posted by the Yomiuri Giants in November and his 45-day window to sign with an MLB team was set to expire on Sunday, Jan. 4.