Blue Jays land Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto in free agency: reports
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The Toronto Blue Jays, who were two outs away from winning the World Series, continue to make big moves in free agency as they look to strengthen their team.
The Blue Jays have agreed to a contract with Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto, according to multiple reports. The contract is for four years and $60 million, according to the New York Post.
Okamoto starred in Japanese professional baseball’s most historic franchise, the Yomiuri Giants, the Japanese equivalent of the New York Yankees.
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Yomiuri Giants first baseman Kazuma Okamoto hits a ground ball against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning at the Tokyo Dome in Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan, on March 15, 2025. (Darren Yamashita/Image Images)
The 29-year-old was a six-time All-Star in Japan and excelled both at the plate and in the field. He led the NPB Central League in home runs in 2020, 2021 and 2023.
Starting in 2018, Okamoto had a streak of six consecutive seasons with 30 or more home runs. His career high in home runs came in 2023, when he hit 41.
Okamoto can play first and third base, winning two Gold Gloves at third base and one at first base.
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Yomiuri Giants first baseman Kazuma Okamoto singles against the Chicago Cubs during the second inning at the Tokyo Dome in Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan, on March 16, 2025. (Darren Yamashita/Image 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 first. However, in limited action, Okamoto was outstanding, batting .327 with 15 home runs and 49 RBIs, good for a 1.014 OPS.
In 11 seasons in the NPB, Okamoto had a .277 batting average with 248 home runs and 717 RBIs.
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Team Japan’s Kazuma Okamoto hits a solo home run in the bottom of the fourth inning during the championship game of the World Baseball Classic at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida, on March 21, 2023. (Gene Wang/Getty Images)
Okamoto has already had success in the United States, hitting a home run off Kyle Freeland to help Japan beat the United States in the finals of the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
The Blue Jays had already signed starting pitcher Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million contract; KBO MVP Cody Ponce on a three-year, $30 million contract; and reliever Tyler Rogers to a three-year, $37 million contract. The Blue Jays hope the addition of Okamoto, along with all their other acquisitions, will help them get back to the World Series.
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Ryan Canfield is a digital production assistant for News Digital.