Published on Mar. 5, 2026
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After 11 excellent seasons playing professionally in Japan, Kazuma Okamoto is about to get a far broader exposure to global baseball fans. Okamoto will make his second appearance for Japan’s World Baseball Classic squad, and this time he’ll be doing so as a member of the defending American League champion Toronto Blue Jays, having signed a 4-year, $60 million contract with the team in January.
Why it matters
Okamoto’s arrival in the majors with the Blue Jays will bring greater scrutiny as an international player joining a high-profile MLB team. His performance in the WBC and during the upcoming MLB season will be closely watched as he looks to prove he can succeed at the highest level of professional baseball.
The details
Okamoto, a 30-year-old right-handed hitter, has already produced a distinguished career in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league. He debuted with the Yomiuri Giants in 2015 at age 19 and hit 248 home runs over 11 seasons, leading the NPB in homers three times and making six All-Star teams. In 2023, his best season, Okamoto hit .358 with 41 homers and a .958 OPS.
Okamoto signed a 4-year, $60 million contract with the Blue Jays on January 4, 2026, one day before his posting window to join a major league team expired.Okamoto will make his second appearance for Japan’s World Baseball Classic squad in 2026, three years after helping them win the championship in 2023.
The players
Kazuma Okamoto
A 30-year-old infielder who spent 11 seasons playing professionally in Japan’s NPB, where he was a 6-time All-Star and 3-time home run champion. He signed a 4-year, $60 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays in January 2026.
Bo Bichette
The All-Star shortstop who previously played for the Blue Jays, but accepted a $42 million annual salary with the New York Mets, allowing Toronto to sign Okamoto as his replacement at third base.
Ernie Clement
The Blue Jays infielder who is expected to move to second base with Okamoto’s arrival, playing alongside shortstop Andrés Giménez.
Addison Barger
The Blue Jays prospect who is expected to move into the starting right field role with Okamoto joining the infield.
The Japanese superstar who, along with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, represents the highest-profile international talent in MLB, providing a benchmark for Okamoto’s contract and expectations.
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What’s next
Okamoto will look to prove he can succeed at the MLB level as he joins the Blue Jays’ loaded lineup and represents Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
The takeaway
Okamoto’s signing with the Blue Jays represents a significant investment in international talent, as the 30-year-old infielder looks to translate his success in Japan’s NPB to the major leagues and help Toronto defend their American League title.