Kazuma Okamoto's daughter plays a key role in his decision to join the Blue Jays

The newest member of the Toronto Blue Jays was introduced to local media during a press conference on Tuesday afternoon. Kazuma Okamoto was joined by his agent, Scott Boras, and Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins to talk about his decision to pick the Blue Jays.

In one of the more unexpected quotes of the offseason, Okamoto says Blue Jays fans owe many thanks to his daughter for why he's now in Toronto. As Blue Jays reporter Keegan Matheson wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "Okamoto put all 30 MLB logos in front of his daughter and asked her which one she liked the most. She chose the Blue Jays."

Kazuma Okamoto's daughter plays a key role in his decision to join the Blue Jays

It was one of several feel good moments of the afternoon presser that started with Okamoto addressing the media himself in English. Okamoto said, "My name is Kazuma Okamoto, thank you very much for this opportunity. I am very happy to join the Blue Jays. I will work hard everyday and do my best for the team. Thank you for your support. It's nice to meet you. Go Blue Jays!"

It likely won't take long for Okamoto to become a fan favorite in Toronto. Blue Jays fans love the guys that are willing to put in the work and put the team ahead of themselves and players who show an appreciation of the city they are going to call home. Okamoto is so far checking off all those boxes, saying that he noticed the fan support and how much love there was for the Blue Jays from those fans. He says, "I didn’t really understand the possibility… It didn’t really come into my mind that I would be able to play in such an amazing location.”

The fans also love a guy who isn't always serious. Okamoto proved he has a fun personality when he said his nicknames include, "big oak" and "big baby." He also toured the Rogers Centre facilities and stopped in for a turn on the slide in the family and kids room.

The only thing that seems to be a question mark right now about how well Okamoto will fit in with the club is the on-field performance. If his numbers can translate from Nippon Professional Baseball to the major league level, then the Blue Jays may have found themselves an absolute steal of a free agent signing. The 29-year-old is coming in on a four-year $60 million deal and has been an elite offensive performer over the past eight seasons.

Since 2018 in NPB, Okamoto ranks first in home runs (247), RBIs (711), runs scored (570), second in SLG% (.526) and third in OPS (.889). Okamoto, who will wear jersey No. 7, also touched on his defensive capabilities. He says that he is flexible and open to playing different positions, with the Blue Jays introducing him as a guy who can play first, third and some outfield.

They say you only get one shot to make a first impression and it seems as if Okamoto checked off all the boxes on how to make a positive one with the Blue Jays fan base.