Toronto Blue Jays George Springer, Kazuma Okamoto forming close bond in 2026 Spring Training
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Toronto Blue Jays masher George Springer and Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto have become bat cage buddies in Dunedin.
According to a report from MLB.com's Keegan Matheson George Springer has been spending lots of time with Kazuma Okamoto, where they have quickly formed a close bond during 2026 Spring Training.
The two are in the same hitting group at camp and have been seen working together throughout daily drills.
Manager John Schneider has also been a steady presence during those sessions, frequently stationed near Okamoto.
George Springer has been spending lots of time with Kazuma Okamoto in #BlueJays camp. They’re in the same hitting group, so they move around together all morning. John Schneider has spent a lot of these daily drills next to Okamoto, too.
Springer has spoken highly of Okamoto’s approach, complimenting his dedication and curiosity.
He noted that Okamoto is asking “all the right questions” and has already shown off an easygoing personality and strong sense of humour — traits that have helped him integrate smoothly into the clubhouse.
Okamoto also got a look at one of Toronto’s most electric young arms this week, stepping in against top pitching prospect Ricky Tiedemann.
Tiedemann, who is aiming to make his MLB debut after elbow surgery derailed all of his 2025 season, flashed an impressive fastball.
It took Okamoto a few swings to time it up, but he eventually squared one up, offering a glimpse of what made him such a coveted addition.
Ricky Tiedemann facing Kazuma Okamoto in live BP. I’m gifting this the ruling of a flared single. The second-baseman I’m hallucinating was playing too up the middle. #BlueJays
The 29-year-old infielder signed a four-year, $60 million deal with Toronto after a decorated run with the Yomiuri Giants in Japan.
Over the past decade in NPB, Okamoto established himself as a consistent middle-of-the-order threat, blending elite contact skills with legitimate power and disciplined at-bats.
The Blue Jays believe that offensive profile will translate as he takes over third base duties full-time.
Okamoto is expected to play in the Spring Training opener on Saturday against the Phillies, on Monday he will play oppo Bo Bichette and the Mets, Wednesday versus the Tigers, and Thursday vs the Marlins.
Kazuma Okamoto is expected to open #BlueJays Spring Training games by playing on:
Saturday vs PHI
Monday vs NYM
Wednesday @ DET
Thursday vs MIA
Saturday vs PHI
Monday vs NYM
Wednesday @ DET
Thursday vs MIA
As for Springer, he’s coming off a resurgent 2025 campaign in which he clubbed 32 home runs and posted a .959 OPS.
Beyond the numbers, he looked revitalized — playing with the kind of energy that once made him one of the game’s most dynamic stars.
Schneider even joked last spring that he sometimes “needs to keep a leash on” (Springer) because the veteran doesn’t have an off switch.
The Toronto Blue Jays will once again lean on that spark in 2026.
Springer is expected to remain a fixture near the top of the lineup while splitting time between the outfield and designated hitter, providing both production and leadership as the club integrates its newest slugger into the fold.
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Previously on Blue Jays Central
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 19|136 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays George Springer, Kazuma Okamoto forming close bond in 2026 Spring Training Do you think George Springer will help Kazuma Okamoto's transition from NPB to MLB? | ||
| Yes | 131 | 96.3 % |
| No | 2 | 1.5 % |
| Too early to tell | 3 | 2.2 % |
| List of polls | ||