Blue Jays hitting coach David Popkins, John Schneider, share thoughts on Kazuma Okamoto potential breakout
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That is what Kazuma Okamoto is supposed to look like at the plate.
Anyone who has followed Kazuma Okamoto’s career in Nippon Professional Baseball knows the kind of offensive force he can be.
It always felt like a matter of time before that version of him showed up in Major League Baseball.
On Sunday afternoon, the Toronto Blue Jays delivered a statement performance, erupting for eight runs in the first inning, tying a franchise record, on their way to a comfortable 10–4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
At the center of it all was rookie third baseman Kazuma Okamoto, who has been navigating a difficult stretch, but may have taken a meaningful step forward in this game.
Okamoto made an immediate impact with a two-run double in the opening frame, then followed it up with a home run in his next plate appearance.
More importantly, his swings looked free and assertive, exactly the approach Toronto has been hoping to see.
Kazuma Okamoto clubs his 3rd home run of the year 😤
Schneider, Popkins optimistic about Okamoto's approach and adjustments going forward
In a conversation with MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson, manager John Schneider, hitting coach David Popkins, and Okamoto himself reflected on the challenges hitters face during slumps and the process of adapting to unfamiliar pitching.
“He was really hitting through some of those pitches that were away from him, if that makes sense. He was just staying on it a bit more,” said manager John Schneider. “The home run was a great swing. His walk was a great at-bat, too. He’s getting there. He’s getting pretty close. There have been signs, and today was a really good day.”
In recent weeks, Okamoto’s at-bats have often appeared tentative, as though he were caught between decisions.
That hesitation is hardly surprising given the adjustment to a new league, new pitchers, and a completely different competitive environment.
There is still a long road ahead, but performances like this offer a glimpse of what Okamoto can bring to the lineup when everything clicks.
“Everyone was passing the baton, and everyone was getting a hit today,” Okamoto said through interpreter Yusuke Oshima. “I wanted to do my part and keep the train moving.”
Blue Jays hitting coach David Popkins also emphasized to Matheson the importance of connecting with players on a personal level during difficult stretches, rather than overwhelming them with technical instruction.
The start of the season has tested the team, making that human element of coaching even more essential.
Drawing from his own playing days, Popkins understands the mental side of the game as much as the physical.
“Failing so much gave me the awareness and empathy to understand what these guys go through on a daily basis,” Popkins said. “Sometimes, mechanical thoughts or physical things are actually not helpful, it’s more mental things that can relax them and reframe things to help them.”
Before transitioning into coaching, Popkins spent three seasons in the Minor Leagues and additional time in independent baseball.
He was never considered a top prospect in the Cardinals’ system, but those experiences have shaped his perspective and approach during challenging periods, as noted by Matheson.
“You have to go through adversity over and over again. Get through it, go through it again, get through it again,” Popkins said. “You have to go through that roller coaster to have any sort of ability to connect with these guys. Not to mention, I went through those rollercoasters for a $1,300 check. They’re going through it with millions of dollars on the line. It gives you empathy for that.”
For now, the Blue Jays can take a breath and refocus on the finer points of their approach.
One explosive inning is encouraging, but what they truly need is sustained success over a longer stretch.
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