Exploring the different ways the Blue Jays could use Kazuma Okamoto in 2026

He has played most of his career in the Nippon Professional Baseball League at first/third base and will most likely patrol the hot corner opposite Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who will hold the first base position for the foreseeable future. Okamoto is an average defensive infielder and rates 40/80 according to Fangraphs. With some question marks at third base heading into 2026 and a stellar defensive duo of Ernie Clement and Andres Gimenez in center, Okamoto will get a chance to play full-time at the hot corner.

Success in other leagues does not translate into immediate success in the major leagues. For example, Yoshi Tsutsugo hit .278 with an .899 OPS in the NPB over twelve seasons, although he posted an average below the Mendoza line at .197 during his brief three-year stint in the MLB.

With Okamoto, there is reason to believe his skills will translate.

Highlights of him hitting home runs against established World Series veterans and fellow major leaguers Yoshinobu Yamoto and Roki Sasaki are circulating the internet, proving his ability to reach consistent velocity. Japan’s other prized free agent this season, Munetaka Murakami, is known to struggle with fast fastballs, although this is not the case with Okamoto. His .289 average at 90 mph+ is good by MLB standards, and he’s already shown he can compete with the best in the world.

In the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Okamoto hit .333 with a 1.278 OPS, hitting two home runs along the way against some of the best pitching in the world. One thing is clear with Okamoto: he can hit the baseball extremely well, although he has shown a tendency to hit better against left-handed pitchers.

Okamoto on the field

While we know what Okamoto can do at the plate, the question remains: How will the Blue Jays use Okamoto in 2026?

General manager Ross Atkins noted during the Okamoto press conference that they plan to use him as a utility player, which could see him across the diamond in 2026.

The Blue Jays could use his services at the hot corner when the righties are on the mound, moving Okamoto into a bench/pinch hit role late in games. A bad day for Guerrero Okamoto could see a shift to first base at times, as he now becomes the de facto backup option on the depth charts.

Should Okamoto spend most of the season at third base, Addison Barger will likely see more playing time in right field in 2026. Ernie Clement, who spent most of the 2025 season at third base, will likely become the second baseman after Bichette’s departure, with Andres Giminez sliding to shortstop.

Okamoto can also be used in the corner outfield spots, although he has limited experience in the outfield (primarily left field) during his time in Japan. There’s also the odd occasion where Okamoto could see some time at the DH spot, but that’s George Springer/Anthony Santander territory for now.

The 29-year-old rookie has some intriguing bat-to-ball skills with the potential to hit more than 25 home runs in a given season. He averaged nearly 31 per year in his last eight seasons in NPB, and Jays fans should be excited to see him perform in the middle of the lineup.

Since Matt Chapman left the team in 2023, they have been looking for an everyday third base option, and this year Okamoto will have a chance to fill that role should he perform. Jays fans should also share their gratitude for his daughter, who the Jays selected as a free agent destination this season. Look for Kazuma Okamoto to make a very good first impression during Spring Training.

PRESENTED BY OFF THE ROSTER