The Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to a contract with Japanese third baseman Kazuma Okamoto, stories ESPN. The deal is for 4 years and $60 million, in response to the New York Put up. Okamoto, 29, has spent the primary 11 years of his skilled profession with Tokyo’s Yomiuri Giants in Nippon Skilled Baseball, the highest league in Japan.
Okamoto’s posting window was set to shut at 5 p.m. ET Sunday afternoon.
In NPB, Okamoto was a six-time All-Star and led his league in dwelling runs 3 times. Final season was injury-shortened. In his 69 video games, he hit .327/.416/.598 with 15 dwelling runs and 49 RBI. He has six 30+ dwelling run seasons with a profession excessive of 41 in 2023. He is a profession .274/.355/.501 hitter in NPB.
Coming off the heels of their first AL pennant since 1993, the Blue Jays have been aggressive this offseason. They added beginning pitchers Dylan Stop and Cody Ponce along with reliever Tyler Rogers. Okamoto is their first main signing on the place participant aspect.
If the Jays certainly intend to maintain Okamoto at third base, this transfer might shut the door on free agent Bo Bichette, although it’s miles from a certainty. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is clearly at first base, Okamoto slots at third and that leaves Andrés Giménez for shortstop with Ernie Clement at second. Addison Barger can even play third base. Then once more, it is doable the Jays nonetheless deliver Bichette again to play shortstop and put Giménez in a backup center infielder position.
The Blue Jays have additionally been talked about as suitors at no cost agent outfielder Kyle Tucker. If George Springer sticks at designated hitter, the outfield choices are Nathan Lukas, Daulton Varsho, Anthony Santander, Barger and Davis Schneider. Schneider can even deal with second base.
What stands out greater than something is that the Blue Jays have loads of depth and flexibility. This places them ready the place in the event that they resolve to spring for Bichette and/or Tucker, it is a good assist for the ballclub, however certainly not is both participant out of necessity.
For now, slot Okamoto because the Blue Jays’ on a regular basis third baseman and determine that he bats someplace 5-7 within the order.
