Toronto Blue Jays introduce Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto. Here’s what he said.

The Toronto Blue Jays have officially introduced fans to their latest off-season acquisition: Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto.

Okamoto donned the blue and white at a news conference Tuesday after he and the Blue Jays inked a four-year, US$60-million contract over the weekend.

Before signing to the MLB, the 29-year-old infielder spent his entire career in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) with the Yomiuri Giants. He has been named an all-star six times since 2015 and was the Japanese league’s home run leader in 2020, 2021, and 2023.

Okamoto was batting .327 in 2025, but missed more than half the season with an elbow injury. He hit 15 homers and drove in 49 runs during the 69 games he did play.

Toronto’s front office is hoping to cash in on Okamoto’s NPB success as part of an off-season strategy that has also seen the addition of pitchers Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce and Tyler Rogers.

The Blue Jays won the American League pennant last season before falling to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series in seven games.

Here’s a recap of Tuesday’s news conference:

1:25 p.m. - Scott Boras calls Toronto Blue Jays ‘state-of-the-art’

Superstar 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.

1:22 p.m. - Ross Atkins speaks on Bo Bichette

Blue Jays’ General Manager Ross Atkins was asked about where contract negotiations stand with fan-favourite Bo Bichette, who became a free agent after last season, but offered little new details.

“All the things that I said previously: if there’s an opportunity for us to think about improving the organization, we’re going to always lean into creative ways to do so,” he said.

1:20 p.m. - Why number 7?

Okamoto says he’s “always” wanted to wear the number 7, even in the NPB.

“So he was really happy that he had the opportunity to get it. And then finally, obviously, number seven is a lucky number, so it will bring him luck as he comes to the MLB,” his translator said.

1:17 p.m. - On coming to the MLB now

Okamoto made his NPB debut in 2015 and was asked why he decided to move to the MLB at this point in his career. His answer: a World Series title.

“He’s always wanted the challenge to play in the MLB...one of his major motivations coming to the United States has been to win the World Series,” his translator said.

1:15 p.m. - What position will Okamoto play?

Okamoto was asked where on the field he feels most comfortable playing defence, to which he said he’s flexible.

“He considers himself a strong player with strong batting skills. When it comes to defence, 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,” his translator said.

Okamoto has played first and third base, as well as the outfield.

1:10 p.m. - Okamoto admits his daughter helped pick the 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 here. 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.”

1 p.m. - ‘Go Blue Jays’

Before putting on a Blue Jays jersey for the first time, Okamoto said 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!”

12:00 p.m. - Okamoto to wear number 7

The Blue Jays say Okamoto will wear number 7.

In a tweet, the team said his jersey is now available in the Jays shop.

With files from The Canadian Press