Toronto Blue Jays infielder Kazuma Okamoto's star power already rising in Dunedin
Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
The Toronto Blue Jays have long maintained a presence in Japan’s baseball pipeline, employing eight players from the country over the past five decades.
None, however, arrived with the star power of Kazuma Okamoto.
The Toronto Blue Jays have previously pursued marquee Japanese talent, making serious runs at both Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki. Those efforts ultimately fell short.
Before Okamoto’s arrival, the most recognizable Japanese player to suit up for the Blue Jays was left-hander Yusei Kikuchi.
But in terms of media attention and celebrity status back home, Okamoto is on a different level.
Ohtani remains the unrivaled face of Japanese baseball, his image splashed across billboards and advertisements throughout Tokyo.
Still, Okamoto, a six-time NPB All-Star, commands significant attention in his own right.
That spotlight has followed him to the Blue Jays’ spring training complex in Dunedin, Florida.
It’s a tad bit more lively here this spring.
Kazuma Okamoto
Kazuma Okamoto
Okamoto creating a lot of buzz with fans and media alike
As reported by Mitch Bannon of The Athletic, wherever Okamoto goes, a crowd isn’t far behind.
When he stepped into the covered batting cages, photographers jockeyed for position, cameras raised to capture each swing.
As he made his way toward the infield, reporters trailed closely, documenting every movement.
MLB.com's Keegan Matheson is literally following each step Okamoto takes throughout Spring Training.
Come to #BlueJays camp with me... and live The Kazuma Okamoto Experience:
Even former Boston Red Sox ace Daisuke Matsuzaka, now a prominent media personality in Japan, showed up at camp to interview Okamoto.
Kazuma Okamoto caught up with #RedSox great Daisuke Matsuzaka
While watching batting practice, Matsuzaka playfully mirrored Okamoto’s stance, bending his knees and extending his hands to imitate the infielder’s setup.
That stance — highlighted by a smooth, uncomplicated load — is a major reason Toronto committed $60 million to bring him overseas.
It looked like Kazuma Okamoto took Cody Ponce deep to left field. Some debate behind the screen. George Springer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. were lobbying for the home run. Okamoto called it foul. #BlueJays
If Okamoto thrives in a Blue Jays uniform, the impact could extend well beyond the field.
A productive tenure in Toronto would further elevate the franchise’s profile in Japan, potentially strengthening its appeal to future stars.
But for that broader influence to materialize, performance will have to lead the way.
Adjusting to elite major-league velocity looms as one of the biggest hurdles.
Adjusting to elite major-league velocity looms as one of the biggest hurdles.
Previous Japanese imports such as Shogo Akiyama and Yoshi Tsutsugo struggled to consistently catch up to premium fastballs in MLB.
Akiyama hit just .172 against heaters in his final big-league season, while Tsutsugo never posted an average above .225 against the pitch.
Comprehensive NPB tracking data isn’t publicly available, but there is a glimpse into Okamoto’s ability against high velocity from the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
During the tournament, Okamoto saw 12 pitches clocked above 93 mph and did not swing and miss at any of them.
That ball is GONE!
Kazuma Okamoto with a solo homer and Japan extends their lead over USA! 📺: WBC on FS1
Kazuma Okamoto with a solo homer and Japan extends their lead over USA! 📺: WBC on FS1
It’s a limited sample, to be sure. However, as Okamoto begins appearing in Grapefruit League action and prepares for another World Baseball Classic with Japan, a clearer picture will emerge.
How he handles the game’s top-end velocity may ultimately determine whether his star continues to rise, both in Toronto and back home.
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Previously on Blue Jays Central
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 18|173 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays infielder Kazuma Okamoto's star power already rising in Dunedin Do you think Toronto Blue Jays infielder Kazuma Okamoto will be a big star in MLB? | ||
| Yes | 111 | 64.2 % |
| No | 9 | 5.2 % |
| Too early to tell | 53 | 30.6 % |
| List of polls | ||