The Toronto Blue Jays could look to replace Bo Bichette with a surprising infielder.
The Blue Jays have remained in on Bichette’s market, but the team could also look to replace him elsewhere. If Toronto signs Kyle Tucker, it likely means the team won’t bring back Bichette.
With that, Toronto could look at cheaper options, and they are looking at the International Market. MLB insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that the Blue Jays are showing interest in Kazuma Okamoto, who can play third base and first base.
“Japanese 3B/1B Kazuma Okamoto also has big interest, including from the Red Sox, Pirates and Jays,” Heyman wrote.
Okamoto is one of the top International free agents, as the Japanese star should be an impact bat in any MLB lineup. If the Blue Jays sign him, he could be their everyday third baseman, which would keep Addison Barger in the outfield and shift Ernie Clement to second base.
In Japan last season, Okamoto hit .322 with 15 home runs and 52 RBIs; however, he only played in 77 games. In 2024, when he played 143 games, he hit 27 home runs and 83 RBIs. His career high is 41 home runs and 113 RBIs, showing his power.
What Will Okamoto Get in Free Agency?
Okamoto is a good bat who will have several teams interested in him.
There are some questions around him, but many teams expect his bat to translate to the MLB.
ESPN MLB insider Kiley McDaniel predicts Okamoto will sign a three-year, $36 million deal with a $6.925 million posting fee.
“Okamoto primarily played third base in NPB and likely moves to first base in short order in MLB,” McDaniel wrote. “Unlike Murakami, Okamoto has played a lot of first base, so there will be less of a breaking-in period as he’s also getting used to big league pitching. Okamoto has a track record of strong on-base percentages in Japan, though some evaluators think he could be challenged by the higher velocity in MLB.
“He has plus raw power and an excellent feel for getting to it in games, giving him some ceiling if his contact rates in MLB are good enough. A right-handed-hitting (likely) first baseman who will turn 30 next June and has no big league experience is still a bit of a risk without a ton of ceiling, but Okamoto is a good bet to be a solid contributor, with a chance to be more if it all translates.”
If the Blue Jays do sign Okamoto, he will likely remain at third base at least for the 2026 season.
Blue Jays Remain in Bichette’s Market
Of course, if the Blue Jays re-sign Bichette, that will likely remove them from the conversation to sign Okamoto.
Bichette has spent his entire career with the Blue Jays, and general manager Ross Atkins is open to re-signing him.
“Great player,” Atkins said of Bichette. “Bo’s been a significant part of us being in a strong position today and a reason that we’re coming off five solid seasons of baseball and one really, really good year of baseball. He’s had a lot to do with it. I know he’s going to be attractive to the market. We’ll be in his market.”
Bichette is a two-time MLB All-Star.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Blue Jays Eye Slugging Infielder as Bo Bichette Hits Free Agency appeared first on Heavy Sports.