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<\/p>\nWhen the Toronto Blue Jays signed Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto, expectations were high. He slugged 30+ homers in six consecutive seasons from 2018-2023 in the Nippon Professional Baseball league in Japan, and the Blue Jays needed some of that power in Toronto. <\/p>\n
Fast forward to July, and Okamoto stands alone, above Shohei Ohtani, with the most home runs by a Japanese-born rookie, and two months remain in the season. Okamoto slugged his 23rd homer in the Blue Jays’ 6-4 loss to the Boston Red Sox on Friday night at Fenway Park to break the record. <\/p>\n
The 408-ft three-run shot boosted Toronto’s win odds substantially and pulled the deficit to one in the seventh inning. They were inevitably unable to capitalize on the bomb, which led to a loss that placed the Blue Jays 10-games under .500. <\/p>\n
This season has been anything but exciting and expected so far. Just one year removed from a World Series appearance, the Blue Jays were inches from winning over the super-powered Los Angeles Dodgers, but Toronto has spiraled out of control, with little to look forward to. <\/p>\n
Since the All-Star break, the Blue Jays are 2-6, which is tied for second-to-last in baseball. Pitching hasn’t been great, but power has been non-existent. Toronto has hit five homers in the eight games since the break, which is third-to-last in the MLB. <\/p>\n
Oktamoto Holds an Opportunity to Breeze By Ohtani’s Home run Record<\/p>\n
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n
Despite the disparaging season, Okamoto has been a massive bright spot. The NPB legend was signed to a four-year deal, which was risky since his rookie campaign began at age 30. Okamoto quieted any uncertainty with his standout performance this season. <\/p>\n
He leads the team by a wide margin in homers<\/a>, RBI, and slugging percentage. He’s been serviceable at third base this year, but likely has a long-term profile as a designated hitter. Regardless, he’s barreling up the ball and hitting it hard at a very high clip, and it’s paying off. <\/p>\n If Okamoto hadn’t signed<\/a> with the Blue Jays, this team would be in a world of hurt. He’s produced the second-most wins above replacement (1.4) on the team and stands with Ernie Clement as the only two players to eclipse 1.0 this year. <\/p>\n
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