New Jays slugger Okamoto likes utilityman role, GM doesn’t tip hand on other moves

By Canadian Press on January 6, 2026.

TORONTO — Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto says he’s open to playing a variety of positions with the Toronto Blue Jays.

He was formally introduced by the team today at a news conference at Rogers Centre.

Okamoto signed a four-year, US$60-million deal with the Blue Jays over the weekend. He joins Major League Baseball after an 11-year run in Japan, where he led the league in home runs on three occasions.

Speaking via an interpreter, he says he likes the utilityman role so he can do different things and contribute in different ways.

The 29-year-old infielder is expected to play third base for the American League champions but he can also play first base and left field.

Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins says the team “definitely got better” with the addition of Okamoto. He wouldn’t tip his hand when asked about big free-agent names still available, saying he’s always open to trying to make the team better.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 6, 2026.

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press