Kazuma Okamoto

Kazuma Okamoto has signed a contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, as first reported by Jeff Passan. The deal comes just before Okamoto's 45-day posting window closed, which was set to occur tomorrow at 4:00 pm (CT). The four-year deal is worth $60 million with a $5 million signing bonus.

Fantasy Impact

Okamoto played just 69 games for the Yomiuri Giants last season and slashed .327/.416/.598 in 293 plate appearances. Prior to last year when he hit 15 home runs in just 69 games, since making his NPB debut in 2018, Okamoto never hit fewer than 27 home runs in a season. He has hit 277 career home runs since his professional debut in 2015. The 29-year-old now projects to be Toronto's starting third baseman and will provide another big bat in the middle of an already very good Blue Jays' lineup. He can also back up Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. at first base and has also seen time in the outfield. Even with the Okamoto signing, Toronto is still in the mix to bring back Bo Bichette and has been linked to Kyle Tucker.

Kazuma Okamoto is drawing interest from the Angels and Padres, in addition to the continued rumors surrounding the Pirates, per multiple reports. The infielder's 45-day posting window ends on January 4.

Fantasy Impact

News surrounding Okamoto has been relatively quiet, but three teams have now reportedly emerged as the favorites to land the Japanese third baseman. Okamoto played just 69 games for the Yomiuri Giants last season and slashed .327/.416/.598 in 293 plate appearances. Prior to last year, since making his NPB debut in 2018, Okamoto never hit fewer than 27 home runs in a season. He has hit 277 career home runs since his professional debut in 2015. Okamoto also has experience playing first base, which would more than likely be his position should he land in San Diego where third base is manned by Manny Machado.

The Pirates are interested in signing Kazuma Okamoto.

Fantasy Impact

Okamoto is expected to slide in at first base with whatever team he signed with. It is unclear what deal he is looking at after Munetaka Murakami signed a two-year deal with the White Sox.