The Toronto Blue Jays have had no issues bringing in free agents this offseason after years of failing to land the biggest stars.

That, of course, hasn’t come as a huge surprise. After all, they not only have the payroll to land some of the game’s best talent, but have proven that they are a World Series contender.

There’s no doubt that the team’s success in 2025 helped them in landing Japanese third baseman Kazuma Okamoto, who they signed to a four-year, $60 million deal last week. That said, there was another individual who played a big role in his choosing to join the Blue Jays: his daughter.

During his introductory press conference on Tuesday, Okamoto revealed that he placed all 30 MLB logos in front of his daughter and asked her which one she liked the most. She wound up picking the Blue Jays.

Kazuma Okamoto says he loves the city of Toronto and is excited about the team, but there was another piece to his decision:

Okamoto put all 30 MLB logos in front of his daughter and asked her which one she liked the most.

She chose the #BlueJays


— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) January 6, 2026

 

Though he spoke through an interpreter for most of the press conference, Okamoto did open things up with a quote that Blue Jays fans will be absolutely loving.

“Hello, everyone. My name is Kazuma Okamoto,” he began. “Thank you very much for this opportunity. I am very happy to join [the] Blue Jays. I will work hard every day and do my best for the team. Thank you for your support. Nice [to] meet you. Go Blue Jays!”

“I’m very happy to join the Blue Jays… Go Blue Jays!” 👏

Kazuma Okamoto introduces himself to Toronto. pic.twitter.com/4ZT2jqIqjw


— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 6, 2026

 

Okamoto, 29, appeared in 69 games with the Yomiuri Giants last season, slashing .327 with 15 home runs and 49 RBI. He’s been named an All-Star six times in 10 NPB seasons.

Though it remains to be seen how Okamoto will fare in the MLB, his lengthy track record of success in the NPB suggests he could be a highly impactful player for the Blue Jays in the years to come.