Toronto Blue Jays help Kazuma Okamoto acclimate to MLB, teammates in awe of swing
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The transition to a new league, new clubhouse and even a new country can be overwhelming, but Kazuma Okamoto is already beginning to feel at home with the Toronto Blue Jays.
What was unfamiliar just weeks ago is quickly becoming routine. Kazuma Okamoto is no longer the new face trying to find his footing, he's becoming part of the Toronto Blue Jays.
Teammates have gone out of their way to make him feel included, helping ease the adjustment that comes with navigating a different language and culture.
Following a recent batting practice session, Okamoto spoke to a gathering of primarily Japanese media members and admitted he's settling in faster than he anticipated.
Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith caught up with Okamoto before left for the World Baseball Classic, where he talked about getting used to his new environment, teammates and what surprised him the most about Blue Jays camp.
«I'm getting used to the flow,» Okamoto told Nicholson-Smith via interpreter Yusuke Oshima. «And I think I've gotten a hold of it. It's been really fun.»
Okamoto's teammates have embraced him enthusiastically
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has already created a custom handshake with Okamoto, while George Springer has spent extended time alongside him, helping him integrate into the clubhouse dynamic.
«He's gotten acclimated really quickly and become one of the boys,» Ernie Clement said.
Manager John Schneider has been equally impressed, noting that Okamoto's willingness to ask questions has accelerated the process.
«For us it hasn't been real challenging,» Schneider said. «He's been awesome. He really is receptive, and not afraid to ask questions, which we love.»
Of course, some adjustments have been unavoidable. Okamoto is accustomed to a more spaced-out daily rhythm in Japan, compared to the tighter structure of a North American spring training schedule.
When asked what has surprised him most about his teammates, his answer drew laughs.
«Everyone's huge here,» Okamoto said.
Pressed for more detail, the six-foot, 212-pound third baseman expanded.
«Everyone's tall. Everyone's muscular. In Japan, everyone's around the same eye level as me or lower, and now I'm having to look up. It's been a big surprise.»
On the field, however, the transition has looked seamless. Okamoto has flashed strong defensive instincts at third base while posting an impressive .333/.400/.889 slash line, consistently producing exit velocities north of 100 m.p.h.
«He's very smooth in everything he does,» Clement said. «He's got one of the smoothest right-handed swings that I've ever seen, honestly, and then he's really smooth in the field. He's going to fit right in and make a really, really big impact with us.»
Okamoto has since left camp to represent Japan at the World Baseball Classic.
Japan will compete in Pool C against Australia, South Korea, Czechia and Chinese Taipei, opening tournament play on March 6 versus Chinese Taipei at the Tokyo Dome.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 27|102 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays help Kazuma Okamoto acclimate to MLB, teammates in awe of swing Do you think Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Kazuma Okamoto will be a big star in MLB? | ||
| Yes | 82 | 80.4 % |
| No | 0 | 0 % |
| Too early to tell | 20 | 19.6 % |
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