The Toronto Blue Jays could have a sneaky backup plan if their top priorities in free agency are to sign elsewhere. There is no secret that the reigning American League champions want to bring back Bo Bichette. The infielder has been a key player on the team since becoming a regular starter in 2021. Nevertheless, several other clubs are aggressively attempting to pry Bichette away from Toronto.
Bichette, however, is not the only top target for the Blue Jays. They are also one of the main suitors for Kyle Tucker. The outfielder is widely seen as the best overall player in free agency at the moment and is seeking a massive payday. While both stars are in play for Toronto, the team is expecting to sign just one of them.
Assuming that the Blue Jays specifically miss out on Tucker, they could quickly pivot to Kazuma Okamoto. On the surface, the move may seem a bit strange to fans. After all, the Japanese slugger is typically seen as a corner infielder. However, he can also play in the outfield as well. Tucker has mostly been utilized in right field, but can be deployed in left as well.
The Athletic’s Will Sammon is now claiming that the Japanese star’s versatility could benefit Toronto. “Speculatively, Okamoto’s versatility makes him even more of a fit for interested teams like the Toronto Blue Jays, a club containing internal infield options plus the potential to make other additions,” claims Sammon.
Toronto Blue Jays Could Deploy Kazuma Okamoto in Multiple Positions
GettyKazuma Okamoto would give Toronto pop at the plate across three different positions.
Okamoto featured at third base more than any other position for the Yomiuri Giants of Japanese baseball in 2025. Toronto typically used a combination of Ernie Clement and Addison Barger at the position during the recent World Series appearance. Potentially acquiring Okamoto could give the Blue Jays another solid option at the hot corner.
The Japanese slugger would also be able to fill in for superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first base. Okamoto has over 500 appearances at the position throughout his professional career. Outside of the corner infield spots, the slugger also has experience in the outfield, particularly left field.
Like third base, Toronto manager John Schneider also used multiple players in left field during the World Series. Nathan Lukes was the Game 7 starter, but Myles Straw and Davis Schneider helped fill in as well. Okamoto’s combination of power at the plate and versatility could give Toronto dynamic options in 2026. The star previously hit over 30 home runs, including 41 in 2023, in six consecutive seasons in Japan.
Okamoto’s Deadline to Sign MLB Contract Approaching
Time, however, could work against the Blue Jays. Toronto seems willing to wait on Tucker’s decision to have a real chance at signing the star. Nevertheless, the patience could backfire if the former Cub spurns the Blue Jays and signs elsewhere. This scenario would be even more frustrating if it came after January 4.
Because Okamoto was posted by Japanese baseball in mid-November, he has until January 4 to sign with an MLB team. With this deadline quickly approaching, Toronto has to make a big decision in the coming hours. Potentially missing out on both Tucker and Okamoto would be a big blow.
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