Manager John Schneider has made it clear that Ernie Clement will handle the majority of second-base duties after a remarkable 2025 postseason run, with Addison Barger moving to an outfield role in 2026. This leaves Okamoto as the sensible option to man third full-time. Some may say he should contribute in a platoon role, solely hitting left-handed pitching due to his proven prowess against southpaws in the NPB, though his numbers against righties are nothing to scoff at.
Kazuma Okamoto is a Blue Jay 🇯🇵🍁🇨🇦
岡本和真、トロント・ブルージェイズの一員に
The more pressing question remains how he will handle the position defensively.
From Matt Chapman to Isiah Kiner-Falefa to, most recently, Clement, the Jays have deployed elite defence at the hot corner, and it’s unlikely Okamoto will be able to replicate it. That is not to suggest that he is by any means a subpar defender, having already showcased his soft hands through ground ball practice at Spring Training.
It looked like Kazuma Okamoto took Cody Ponce deep to left field.
Some debate behind the screen. George Springer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. were lobbying for the home run. Okamoto called it foul. #BlueJays
Apart from his skillset on the field, he has described himself to reporters as very “manly” and “serious”, with a great sense of humour as well. The Jays have welcomed him with open arms, and it seems like the perfect personality type that will fit into the clubhouse and go to work every day to perfect his craft.
Fans should have overwhelming reason to believe that Okamoto will soon become a household name in MLB. His presence has already been felt during the first few days of camp, with loads of media tracking his every move. Though he may not be a Shohei Ohtani or Yoshinobu Yamamoto, he was the captain of one of the most popular teams in Japan, the Yomiuri Giants, as a representation of his leadership and performance. It won’t be long before we see the “Young General” playing at the Rogers Centre in front of a sold-out crowd.