Blue Jays sign Okamoto to 4-year, $60M deal

The Toronto Blue Jays agreed to a contract with Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto on Sunday.

The deal is for four years and $60 million. It includes a $5-million signing bonus and no opt-outs.

Okamoto was one of the top players posted this winter after hitting .327/.416/.598 with 15 home runs and 49 RBIs in 69 games for the Yomiuri Giants last season. He missed a chunk of the campaign with an injured elbow.

Defensively, Okamoto is most experienced at third base, but he's considered an above-average first baseman who can also play the outfield.

The right-handed hitting Okamoto slashed .277/.361/.521 with 248 homers and 717 RBIs in 11 seasons with the Giants. He struck out just 796 times in 4,494 plate appearances and will provide another contact-heavy bat to Toronto's lineup.

Projected 2026 Blue Jays lineup

Okamoto, a six-time NPB All-Star, rose to international stardom with an impressive performance at the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where he hit .333 with a 1.278 OPS. His homer against the United States in the championship game helped Japan win the tournament.

The 29-year-old was also connected to the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels, San Diego Padres, and Seattle Mariners this offseason.

The AL-pennant winning Blue Jays continue to be busy this winter. In addition to Okamoto, they've signed starters Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce, as well as reliever Tyler Rogers.