The Toronto Blue Jays have officially inked a four-year, $60 million US contract with Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto on Sunday. Okamoto, a six-time all-star in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league, had his agreement with the Blue Jays widely publicized on Saturday. The 29-year-old, who primarily plays third and first base, boasted a .327 batting average with 15 home runs and 49 RBIs in 69 games for the Yomiuri Giants last season, despite missing a significant portion of the season due to an elbow injury.
As part of Major League Baseball’s posting agreement with NPB, the Blue Jays are required to pay the Giants a posting fee of $10,875,000. Okamoto will receive a $5 million signing bonus, a $7 million salary for this year, and $16 million annually for the subsequent three seasons.
In the Blue Jays’ lineup, Okamoto is expected to primarily play at third base alongside first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Addison Barger, Ernie Clement, Will Wagner, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Buddy Kennedy also have experience at third base. Barger, who also plays right field, may see a shift in position, potentially facilitating Andres Gimenez’s move to shortstop if Bo Bichette, a free agent, does not return. Clement and Davis Scheider could split playing time at second base.
In a corresponding transaction, the Blue Jays have designated right-handed pitcher Paxton Schultz for assignment. Following a near World Series triumph last season, the Blue Jays have significantly bolstered their roster. The team secured right-hander Dylan Cease on a hefty seven-year, $210 million contract, struck a three-year, $30 million deal with right-hander Cody Ponce, and finalized a three-year, $37 million contract with reliever Tyler Rogers. Additionally, right-hander Shane Bieber opted to exercise his $16 million player option for the 2026 season instead of testing free agency.
