Blue Jays: Why Kazuma Okamoto should be the full-time third baseman

Manager John Schneider has made it clear that Ernie Clement will assume the majority of the second base duties after a remarkable postseason run in 2025, with Addison Barger moving to an outfield role in 2026. This leaves Okamoto as the sensible option to move into third full-time. Some might say he should contribute in a platoon role, throwing exclusively left-handed due to his proven ability against lefties in the NPB, though his numbers against righties are nothing to scoff at.

The more pressing question remains how he will handle the position defensively.

From Matt Chapman to Isiah Kiner-Falefa and, most recently, Clement, the Jays have deployed elite defense at the hot corner, and it’s unlikely Okamoto will be able to replicate that. That’s not to say he’s an undersized defender by any means, as he’s already shown off his soft hands during groundball drills at Spring Training.

In addition to his skills on the field, he has described himself to reporters as very “masculine” and “serious”, with a great sense of humor as well. The Jays have welcomed him with open arms and he seems like the perfect personality type to fit in the clubhouse and go to work every day to perfect his craft.

Fans should have overwhelming reasons to believe Okamoto will soon become a household name in the MLB. His presence was already felt during the first few days of camp, with many media outlets following his every move. While he may not be 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 achievements. It won’t be long before we see “Young General” play the Rogers Center to a sold-out crowd.

PRESENTED BY VIVID CHAIRS