At a Glance
- Blue Jays sign infielder Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year, $60 million contract.
- Okamoto will receive a $5 million signing bonus and a $7 million salary this year, followed by $16 million each season.
- The posting fee to Yomiuri Giants is $10 875 000 under MLB’s agreement.
- Why it matters: The deal adds a power-hitting third-base option to a Blue Jays roster already bolstered by recent free-agent signings.
Toronto’s latest roster move brings Japanese star Kazuma Okamoto to the Blue Jays in a four-year, $60 million deal that could shift the lineup at third base and add depth to a team chasing a World Series title. The contract includes a $5 million signing bonus and a $7 million salary for 2024, followed by $16 million each season.
Contract Breakdown
The contract includes a $5 million signing bonus and a $7 million salary for 2024, with $16 million for each of the next three seasons.
- 2024: $7 million
- 2025: $16 million
- 2026: $16 million
- 2027: $16 million
Okamoto’s Track Record
Kazuma Okamoto, a six-time All-Star, has a .277 batting average, 248 homers, and 717 RBIs in 11 seasons of Nippon Professional Baseball. He led the Central League in home runs in 2020, 2021 and 2023, and homered off Colorado’s Kyle Freeland to help Japan beat the U.S. 3-2 in the 2023 World Baseball Classic final.
Impact on Blue Jays Roster
With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. anchoring first base, Okamoto is expected to slot mainly at third. The move opens possibilities for positional adjustments among existing players such as Addison Barger, Ernie Clement, Will Wagner, Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Buddy Kennedy.
Posting Agreement
Under MLB’s posting system, Toronto will pay Yomiuri Giants a fee of $10 875 000. The deal must be finalized by 5 p.m. EST Sunday.
Key Takeaways
- Blue Jays secure a proven power hitter in a four-year, $60 million contract.
- Okamoto’s experience includes leading the Central League in home runs and starring in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
- The posting fee of $10 875 000 reflects MLB’s agreement with Nippon Professional Baseball.
The signing underscores Toronto’s aggressive push for championship contention, adding a proven power hitter to a lineup already strengthened by recent acquisitions.
By Brianna Q. Lockwood, News Of Austin
