What Blue Jays’ Lineup Looks Like After Kazuma Okamoto Signing
Toronto just added a legit bat.
The Toronto Blue Jays are on fire this offseason. They’ve already made some big moves, but on Saturday, they made another, agreeing to terms with Japanese star Kazuma Okamoto for four years and $60 million, per New York Post’s Jon Heyman.
It’s interesting to look at what Toronto’s lineup might be in 2026, now with Okamoto in the fray. Keep in mind that the Blue Jays still haven’t reunited with Bo Bichette (and might not).
Even with Bichette in the picture, Toronto still has a balanced lineup that will continue to put the ball in play with the best of them. Okamoto will help replace some of Bichette’s power if Bo ends up elsewhere.
Okamoto has established himself as one of Nippon Professional Baseball’s premier sluggers since debuting with the Yomiuri Giants in 2015. Over 11 seasons, the right-handed corner infielder compiled a .277/.361/.521 line, smashing 248 home runs and driving in over 700 runs. He topped the Central League in homers three times (2020, 2021, 2023) and captured Gold Glove awards at third base (2021, 2022) and first base (2024). A six-time All-Star, Okamoto also contributed to Japan’s 2023 World Baseball Classic victory, posting a .333 average with two homers in seven contests.
The 2025 campaign proved challenging, as an elbow injury restricted him to 69 games. Even so, he delivered impressively, slashing .327/.416/.598 with 15 home runs and 49 RBIs, attracting considerable MLB attention.
