Ex-GM thinks the Blue Jays invested their money in the wrong player

The Toronto Blue Jays have been busy this offseason, adding talent in hopes of making another World Series run. Their significant additions are Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce, Tyler Rogers, and Kazuma Okamoto.

Okamoto has spent 11 years playing in Japan and now will bring his talents to North America. Last season for the Yomiuri Giants, he hit .327/.416/.598 with 15 home runs, scored 38 runs, and had 49 RBIs. He suffered an elbow injury due to a collision at first base, which forced him to miss half of the season.

The signing of Okamoto has raised questions about whether it eliminates the possibility of re-signing Bo Bichette or signing the number one free agent, Kyle Tucker. One MLB Network analyst, Jim Bowden, says on Foul Territory, "I like the player, but I don't like the fit for Toronto."

Ex-GM thinks the Blue Jays invested their money in the wrong player

Bowden was a former general manager for the Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals and is now a co-host on SiriusXM's "Inside Pitch" on MLB Network Radio. He states that he would have liked to see the $70 million invested in Okamoto go to "Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette, or both."

Okamoto will handle third base, which Bowden calls " a below-average defender" at the position. His strong suit is first base, but Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is locked in there, and George Springer will be an everyday DH. Okamoto can play in the outfield, but that doesn't make sense to put him in right field when Addison Barger has a much stronger arm. So one of the best defensive teams last season now has a weakness at third base, according to Bowen.

What Okamoto brings to Toronto is a massive power bat. He hit more than 30 home runs from 2018 to 2023. He hit 27 in 2024 and was on pace to get near or reach 30 home runs again last season before his injury.

A power bat was a necessity this offseason after Bichette left for free agency. Okamoto joins Barger, Guerrero Jr., and Daulton Varsho, who hit more than 20 home runs, and George Springer, who hit 32. If Anthony Santander can bounce back and show a glimpse of his 2024, 44 home run form, this will be an electric offense.

Even with Okamoto's signing, the Blue Jays can still sign Tucker or Bichette. However, it'd be interesting to see how the defense would play out. Bichette could slide into second base and move Ernie Clement to shortstop. Andrés Giménez is exceptional defensively at shortstop, but his bat is below average, posting a .598 OPS last season. If Tucker signs, then Barger could handle second base. He played a small amount there in the minor leagues.

Fans will be locked in over the next few weeks to see if the Blue Jays make any more moves. Rest assured, though, the Okamoto signing does not mean the team is finished adding to their already explosive roster.