The Toronto Blue Jays are pursuing an impact bat, and the team has been linked to several players.
Toronto has shown interest in the big three of Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette, and Alex Bregman. But the Blue Jays have also been reported to be interested in Japanese free agent Kazuma Okamoto.
With Okamoto’s 45-day posting window nearing an end, the slugger has traveled to the United States for a series of in-person meetings, according to Yahoo Japan.
With Okamoto meeting with teams, it could heat up his market, which the Blue Jays are involved in. Toronto, along with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Red Sox, San Diego Padres, and Los Angeles Angels, has been prominently linked to Okamoto.
Okamoto can play third base, first base, or a corner outfield. But many experts believe he’s a first baseman. If his role is indeed at first, it could rule out the Blue Jays, given Toronto has Vladimir Guerrero Jr. under contract for 14 years.
If Okamoto can play third base, it would make sense for the Blue Jays, as he would be a middle-of-the-order bat. Last season, the soon-to-be 30-year-old hit .322 with 15 home runs and 51 RBIs, but he only played 77 games. His career high in Japan is 41 home runs and 113 RBIs.
What is Okamoto Expected to Sign For?
Okamoto is an older International Free Agent, which will hinder his market, as well as the fact that many believe he’s a future first baseman in the MLB.
With that, ESPN MLB insider Kiley McDaniel predicts Okamoto will land a three-year, $36 million deal, plus a posting fee of $6.925 million.
“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,” McDaniel wrote. “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 Okamoto’s raw power translates to the majors, it could be a bargain signing for Toronto or whoever lands him. But, there are plenty of question marks surrounding his game.
Adding a Bat is a ‘Priority’ for Blue Jays
The Blue Jays have been aggressive this offseason, but the team hasn’t made any additions to the offense.
With that, Blue Jays manager John Schneider said adding a bat is a priority for the team.
“Probably a bat of some sort,” Schneider said at the Winter Meetings on Dec. 9. “We are coming off a really, really good offensive year in a lot of different ways. We did it and scored runs. There was a time we did it without Tony (Anthony Santander). A time we did it without Bo for a little bit.
“You feel good about your offense, but adding would be nice, and I think that is a priority.”
Toronto has been linked to the likes of Bichette, Tucker, Okamoto, and Bregman.
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