Okamoto has a ton of experience in the limelight, where he made his career in Japan. He’s an 11-year veteran with the Yomiuri Giants and was an established veteran on the squad before taking his talents across the Pacific. His career to this point has been very appealing, and a shot at MLB makes total sense.
Okamoto brings value to the Blue Jays, and his transition may take some time, or it may be real quick. The overall addition of the Japanese star boosts the team offensively and defensively.
What can the Blue Jays expect from Kazuma Okamoto?
The transition from the NPB to the Major Leagues could be a valid thing, more so with metrics. Evaluators seem to be under the impression that velocity will be an issue for Okamoto to catch up to. The MLB is filled with more 100-plus mph pitchers as opposed to most foreign leagues, but the Jays’ infielder is a fundamental hitter with key bat-to-ball skills and good bat speed. Velocity won’t be a huge concern, as his hitting style is very contact-heavy, and he can make the adjustments.
In Sunday’s game against the Athletics, Okamoto took a 96 mph fastball lower in the zone for about 420 feet, over the wall. Against fastballs, he owns a .339 xBA, .727 xSLG, and a .514 wOBA to start the year.
Kazuma Okamoto with his first Major League home run!
🎥 Sportsnet | #Bluejays
Once the Japanese star heats up and adjusts to MLB arms, he will be more gap-to-gap and a hard contact style. His real struggle at the moment may be with the breaking pitches. Getting used to a hard and sharp breaking ball that moves late 80s to early 90s could be a difficult thing, and he has just one hit and a 46.7% whiff rate to start the year.
With Okamoto’s bat path, launch angles, and swing levels, his overall success against the breaking pitches or offspeed pitches won’t be a lost cause, and this might be more of where his adjustments will need to be made.
Expectations on numbers
His spot in the five or six hole is about where he should be in the beginning stages. This could change if his slugging ability fast-tracks, and his bat is consistent. We’ve already seen good things on the defensive end from Okamoto. He’s expected to be the primary third baseman for Toronto this season and a middle-of-the-order bat consistently.
It’s still early into the campaign, and while the strikeout numbers may be a bit high at the moment, there is still a lot to like with Okamoto. He’s hitting the ball hard and has provided some clutch hits early in the year for the Jays.