The signing ceremony for Japanese hitter Okamoto Kazuma was chaotic. It recalled the signing of Ryu Hyun-jin (Hanwha), the Toronto Blue Jays' "Pacific rim" and the start of their Pacific push six years ago.
The Toronto Blue Jays held a signing ceremony for Japanese slugger Okamoto Kazuma at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on the 7th (Korean time). Okamoto, who chose to challenge the major leagues through posting, signed a four-year, $60 million contract with Toronto.
Okamoto, who built his career with the prestigious Yomiuri Giants in Nippon Professional Baseball, entered as the first overall pick in the 2014 draft. In 11 seasons with Yomiuri he posted a .277 batting average (3,934 at-bats, 1,089 hits), 248 home runs, 717 RBIs and an OPS of .882. He established himself as a regular with 33 home runs in 2018, and he won the Central League home run title three times in 2020 (31), 2021 (39) and 2023 (41). From 2018 through 2023 he was a consistent power hitter with six consecutive seasons of 30 or more home runs.
Last year in early May he collided with a baserunner during a defensive play, injuring his left arm and missing three months. Even so, he played 69 games and posted a .327 batting average (251 at-bats, 82 hits), 15 home runs, 49 RBIs and an OPS of 1.014, showing that when healthy he can still deliver top-tier production, and Toronto signed him.
Director General Ross Atkins and agent Scott Boras attended the signing ceremony. Introducing himself in English, Okamoto opened by saying, "I am truly grateful for this opportunity and very happy to join the Blue Jays. I will work hard every day and do my best for the team. Go Blue Jays!"
Okamoto gave an unexpected answer about why he chose Toronto. He said, "I love the city of Toronto and thought the team is very strong, so I would receive a lot of support," but added with a laugh, "There was one decisive factor in my heart. I laid out the logos of all 30 major league teams in front of my daughter and asked, 'Which team do you like best?' and she pointed to the Blue Jays logo."
He went on to say, "I was moved by the game itself, but I was even more moved by how loudly the fans cheered and how deep their affection for the team is. I never imagined I could play in such an amazing place and for this team," commenting on the fans' passion.
At the signing ceremony he received a uniform with number 7. Explaining why he chose 7, he said, "It's a number I've admired since turning pro. I chose it because it's a lucky number," and added, "This is the first time I've worn a blue-based uniform; I haven't seen it in a mirror yet, but I think it suits me best in the world," turning the signing ceremony into a sea of laughter.
Director General Ross Atkins said, "Okamoto has built an incredible career, exerting influence on both offense and defense. His offense is very proactive and fits our team very well. His ability to make contact with fastballs and to target all kinds of pitches to produce extra-base hits is exactly what we want," adding, "We will continue discussions and prepare so he can contribute in several ways defensively as well. His team-first open-mindedness is very appealing," expressing joy at acquiring Okamoto.
Meanwhile, MLB.com reported on the intense enthusiasm shown at Okamoto's signing ceremony. The outlet wrote, "One thing we learned about Okamoto is that he has the ability to draw a massive crowd," adding, "The interview room felt like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had just signed another extension. Cameras filled every available space beyond where they usually set up behind the interview room. Dozens of reporters from Japan filled the press seats, outnumbering the U.S. local media."
It then recalled Ryu Hyun-jin donning the Toronto uniform on a four-year, $80 million deal in 2020. It seemed to evoke the image of Ryu Hyun-jin as the start of the club's push into Asian markets. MLB.com noted, "This spring camp will probably be a madhouse of cameras and reporters from Japan. It will be similar to the fervent enthusiasm shown by Korean media when Toronto signed Ryu Hyun-jin in 2019."
The outlet added, "Toronto has for years worked to secure stakes in the Asian market by pursuing players like Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki," and explained, "Okamoto is finally an acquisition that achieves a perfect balance of baseballing and business aspects."
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