The Toronto Blue Jays have had one of the busiest offseasons in club history following their run to the 2025 World Series and Game 7 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Toronto has aggressively retooled, adding starter Dylan Cease on a seven-year deal and reliever Tyler Rogers on a three-year contract. It took a flier by signing pitcher Cody Ponce, who has only minimal major league experience. In addition, Shane Bieber exercised his player option to remain with the team.
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On Saturday, the Jays made another splash. Reports emerged that Toronto agreed to a four-year, $60 million contract with Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto. The deal includes a $5 million signing bonus and escalating annual salaries that begin at $7 million and rise to $16 million.
Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette (11).Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Okamoto, a six-time NPB All-Star, slashed .327/.416/.598 with 15 home runs and 49 RBIs in 69 games in 2025. His season was shortened by an elbow injury. He is expected to primarily play third base with star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first.
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While Toronto continues to add pieces around its core, one of the top free agents still unsigned is Bo Bichette, the Blue Jays’ longtime star and one of the most productive hitters in baseball last season.
Phillies Among Teams Monitoring Bo Bichette
The Blue Jays have repeatedly expressed their desire to re-sign Bichette. They extended him a qualifying offer before free agency and have maintained a dialogue with his camp. Despite Toronto’s push, the Blue Jays are facing significant competition for Bichette from other clubs.
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According to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman, the Philadelphia Phillies are among a group of big-market teams showing interest in Bichette.
“The Phillies are among a number of big-market teams to have interest in Bo Bichette, an ultra young (27) free agent. Yanks, Cubs, Dodgers, Red Sox and incumbent Jays, too,” Heyman wrote Saturday.
That report emerged hours after the first reports of Toronto signing Okamoto. The Japanese player’s addition strengthens Toronto’s infield depth, but it also raises questions about Bichette’s fit and contract priority.
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Compounding the decision: Bichette’s free-agent value has climbed sharply. His .311/.357/.483 season with 18 home runs and 94 RBIs in 2025 rebuilt his market after a down year in 2024. He showcased his ability to hit consistently at the plate, making him one of the most coveted bats still available.
Bichette could be a transformative addition for the Phillies if they sign him. Philadelphia has shown a willingness to pursue premium bats this offseason and adding a young, high-contact, high-on-base talent such as Bichette would complement their existing lineup while providing versatility across the infield. If the Jays aren’t prepared to match the long-term, high-average-annual-value offers in Bichette’s market, Philly or another deep-pocket suitor may outbid them.
Related: Blue Jays’ Alejandro Kirk Announces Move Outside MLB
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.