Kazuma Okamoto isn’t locked into a set position with the Toronto Blue Jays, and that appears to be by design.
The newest hitter in the Blue Jays lineup says he’s open to playing whatever defensive position he needs to impact the team.
The Blue Jays introduced Okamoto to local media on Tuesday after agreeing to a four-year, $60-million contract with the Japanese slugger over the weekend.
“We’re set up that he could impact our organization from a defensive standpoint in a bunch of different ways,” general manager Ross Atkins said.
Speaking in Japanese, Okamoto agreed with Atkins, saying he takes pride in playing all over the diamond.
In Japan, Okamoto played primarily at first and third base, but he did have some experience in the outfield, too.
The Blue Jays currently have Vladimir Gurrerro Jr. at first base, with Ernie Clement and Addison Barger splitting time at third. Left field was also a rotating position for the Blue Jays last season, with Nathan Lukes, Myles Straw and Davis Schneider all spending time there in 2025.
At the plate, Okamoto was one of the top power hitters in Japan, posting a career-best 1.014 OPS in 2025 with identical 11.3 walk and strikeout rates. Since 2020, his 152 home runs are second in NPB behind only Munetaka Murakami, who signed with the Chicago White Sox this winter.
