"Okamoto, who signed a four-year $60 million deal in January, and his Japanese teammates didn't have the tournament they expected to. They were one of the favourites of the WBC and many expected them to at least get to the finals, if not win the entire thing. But Japan came up short in their quest to repeat after their win in 2023, falling to the eventual champions, Team Venezuela, in the quarterfinals."
"That's great news for the Blue Jays who mainly picked him up for his bat, and were keeping their options open as to where he could fit in defensively on the diamond. Okamoto spent most of his time in Nippon Professional Baseball playing at third and first while also spelling time in the outfield."
Kazuma Okamoto has returned to the Toronto Blue Jays following his participation in the World Baseball Classic with Samurai Japan. Signed to a four-year $60 million contract in January, Okamoto appeared in five WBC games, recording four hits in 19 at-bats with one RBI, three walks, and three strikeouts. Japan was considered a tournament favorite but fell to Venezuela in the quarterfinals, failing to repeat their 2023 championship. Okamoto impressed defensively at third base throughout the tournament, making difficult plays appear routine. The Blue Jays acquired him primarily for his offensive capabilities but are pleased with his demonstrated defensive prowess at the hot corner, where he will play during the 2026 season.
Read at Jays Journal
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