Toronto Blue Jays officially introduce Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto
Photo credit: Lindsay Dunn - x.com
The Toronto Blue Jays officially introduces Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto in a live press conference from Rogers Centre on Tuesday.
Okamoto was joined by agent Scott Boras and Blue Jays EVP, baseball operations and general manager Ross Atkins.
After signing the contract, and before putting on the Blue Jays jersey for the first time, Okamoto says he is «very happy» to sign with Toronto.
«I will work hard every day and do my best for the team. Thank you for your support. Go Blue Jays. Thank you.»
Okamoto reveals what made him choose the Toronto Blue Jays
Okamoto was asked how he landed on the Blue Jays, and revealed that his daughter actually helped him make the decision.
«Well, first of all, I think he loves the city of Toronto,» Okamoto's translator said. «And then obviously the team is very strong.
He thought there was a lot of support there. But the one thing that stuck in his mind is that he put all 30 logos of MLB teams in front of his daughter and said, 'Which one do you like the most?' She pointed out the Blue Jays.»
When deciding on where to sign, Kazuma Okamoto says he put all 30 MLB logos in front of his daughter and she pointed at the Blue Jays 🥹
Okamoto was asked where on the field he feels most comfortable to play defence, and said he's flexible.
«He considers himself a strong player with strong batting skills when it comes to defence,» his translator said. «He likes playing different positions, and he likes being a utility player, where he can do different things, contribute in different ways."
So doesn't necessarily like one or the other, but anyway that he could contribute to the team. Okamoto has played first and third base, as well as the outfield.
Kazuma Okamoto says he was impressed by the play, but also by the fan support during the Blue Jays' World Series run 💙
Super agent Scott Boras was in attendance at Tuesday's news conference and applauded the team the Toronto Blue Jays have become, while reflecting on their humble beginnings at Exhibition Stadium.
«They have become state-of-the-art...They're at the forefront of so many things, of leadership, player training, advancement, development, and we're starting to see the culmination of this now rewarded in performance and standings and competitiveness at the major league level,» he said.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 6 | 230 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays officially introduce Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto Do you think Kazuma Okamoto will be popular in Toronto? | ||
| Yes | 196 | 85.2 % |
| No | 18 | 7.8 % |
| Popular all over the world | 16 | 7 % |
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