Listen to this article
Estimated 2 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
The Toronto Blue Jays officially signed Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year, $60-million US contract Sunday.
Okamoto, whose deal with the Blue Jays was widely reported Saturday, is a six-time all-star in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league.
The 29-year-old third baseman and first baseman hit .327 with 15 homers and 49 RBIs in 69 games last season for the Yomiuri Giants. He missed over half the season with an elbow injury.
Under MLB’s posting agreement with NPB, the Blue Jays owe the Giants a posting fee of $10,875,000.
Okamoto will get a $5 million signing bonus, a $7 million salary this year and $16 million in each of the following three seasons.
With five-time All-Star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first, Okamoto presumably would play mostly at third. Addison Barger had 67 starts there last year, Ernie Clement 66, Will Wagner 22, Isiah Kiner-Falefa six and Buddy Kennedy one.
Barger also plays right field, and the addition of Okamoto could mean Andres Gimenez will move from second to shortstop if free agent Bo Bichette doesn’t re-sign. Clement and Davis Scheider could share time at second.
In a corresponding move, the Blue Jays designated right-handed pitcher Paxton Schultz for assignment.
Significant additions
After coming within two outs of their first World Series title since 1993, the Blue Jays have made significant additions to the roster. Toronto signed right-hander Dylan Cease to a $210 million, seven-year contract, agreed to a $30 million, three-year contract with right-hander Cody Ponce and reached a $37 million, three-year deal with reliever Tyler Rogers.
Right-hander Shane Bieber also exercised a $16 million player option for 2026 rather than become a free agent.