MLB Network singing Blue Jays praises after latest signing becomes official

The Toronto Blue Jays have been busy this offseason. Their most recent move: signing Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year, $60 million deal. As a member of the Yomiuri Giants, Okamoto made six All-Star teams and led the Japan Central League in home runs in 2020, 2021, and 2023.

The signing came as a surprise, especially with shortstop Bo Bichette still a free agent and the Blue Jays continued interest in outfielder Kyle Tucker. Still, the Blue Jays earned praise from MLB Network's Greg Amsinger and Jake Peavy.

While they questioned how Okamoto's signing impacts the chances of a reunion with Bichette, they admitted that he fits in well with the Blue Jays' style of play, being able to play several positions and being a high-contact, low strikeout batter.

MLB Network singing Blue Jays praises after latest signing becomes official

Okamoto is another addition to an already very strong Blue Jays infield, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Ernie Clement, Addison Barger, and Andrés Giménez. Okamoto is primarily a corner infielder, but he is also capable of playing the outfield. During his introductory press conference on Tuesday, both Okamoto and Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins alluded to Okamoto taking on a utility role with the Blue Jays.

"We're set up so that he could impact our organization from a defensive standpoint in several ways," Atkins told reporters. Okamoto's defensive versatility mirrors that of Clement and Barger, giving the Blue Jays plenty of flexibility. In 2025, Okamoto had an 11.3 per cent strikeout rate. The Toronto Blue Jays had the lowest strikeout rate in MLB in 2025 (17.7).

Amsinger and Peavy also praised the Blue Jays organization for the environment they've created within the team and the leadership of manager John Schneider. This was hailed as a key part of the Blue Jays' success in 2025, with many people close to the organization saying they'd never seen a team as tight-knit.

Okamoto is the latest signing in a productive offseason for the Blue Jays. Days after the World Series ended, starting pitcher Shane Bieber exercised his player option for 2026. Later in November, the Blue Jays signed right-handed starting pitcher Dylan Cease to a seven-year, $210 million contract. The Blue Jays also signed pitchers Cody Ponce and Tyler Rogers. The Blue Jays' busy offseason may continue, as they remain in the conversation for Tucker and Bichette.