Former Toronto Blue Jays slugger explains how Kazuma Okamoto's power will translate to Major League Baseball
Photo credit: Gerry Angus-Imagn Images
Many Toronto Blue Jays fans are wondering what to expect from their new slugger in Kazuma Okamoto.
When the signed Japanese star infielder Kazuma Okamoto to a $60 million contract, one of the team's largest financial commitments went to a player who is unproven at the major-league level.
Though Okamoto has been a prolific slugger and versatile defender in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league for years, many Blue Jays fans are wondering what to expect from their new slugger.
And a former Blue Jays All-Star and teammate in Japan has attempted to clear that up with some insight.
Justin Smoak provides insight on Okamoto's power and transition to MLB
Justin Smoak who played with the Blue Jays from 2015-2019 also played with Okamoto as a members of the 2021 Yomiuri Giants in the NPB.
«He has way more pop than I had. He has stupid pop,» Justin Smoak, who was an All-Star with 38 homers for the Blue Jays in 2017, told the Toronto Star, according to Mike Wilner. «He's a good hitter and he doesn't have a big swing. He'll swing and miss, but at the same time, he's going to miss balls (and they'll) still go to the gap or off the wall. He'll miss balls that are still homers.»
So, not only does the former Blue Jays first baseman know Okamoto personally, but he also has a sense of the differences between Major League Baseball and its Japanese counterpart.
«The difference is you knew there are two or three guys (per) team who throw 95-plus,» Smoak said of the biggest change waiting for Okamoto, per Wilner. «Here, it's all of them, and so I think it'll take a second like it does anything, but at the same time, he's a good hitter.»
Kazuma Okamoto has been a consistent power threat in NPB with between 27 and 41 HR in each of his 7 full seasons before an injury-shortened 2025.
He also posted a 210 wRC+ last year in 293 PA, and his K rate dropped to 11.3% with no power dip.
The Blue Jays have suggested they see Okamoto as a utility option for next season and he will be surrounded by plenty of good hitters, which should make his transition easier.
With the Japanese star entering that situation and with Smoak's praise, Blue Jays fans have reason to be optimistic about their favorite team's newest addition.
Source: Toronto Star
Credit: Mike Wilner
How will Kazuma Okamoto's power translate to MLB? This former Blue Jays all-star would know
Credit: Mike Wilner
How will Kazuma Okamoto's power translate to MLB? This former Blue Jays all-star would know
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JANVIER 7 | 91 ANSWERS Former Toronto Blue Jays slugger explains how Kazuma Okamoto's power will translate to Major League Baseball Do you agree with Justin Smoak's take on Kazuma Okamoto? | ||
| Yes | 81 | 89 % |
| No | 10 | 11 % |
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