“We definitely got better today.”
This is how Toronto Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins opened the press conference introducing Kazuma Okamoto to MLB fans and the city. Toronto already boasts the hitting talents of Vladimir Guerrero Jr, George Springer, Davis Schneider, Daulton Varsho, and Alejandro Kirk. This statement from Atkins demonstrates the Blue Jays’ mentality this offseason: get better.
This extends to whether the Blue Jays will continue to add to their roster before Spring Training. They have been linked to Yoan Moncada, Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, and Bo Bichette.
There are a few reasons why Okamoto ultimately chose the Blue Jays to begin his MLB career. One of those reasons involved his daughter.
Kazuma Okamoto’s Daughter Had a Hand in Picking the Blue Jays
One of the most essential questions that Blue Jays fans wanted answered was why he picked Toronto. There are many teams to choose from, several of which he was linked to.
Okamoto’s response to what excites him about Toronto was a heartwarming moment from the Japanese slugger.
“Obviously, the team is very strong,” Okamoto said via his translator at the January 6, 2026, press conference. “The one thing that stuck out to him was that he put all MLB logos in front of his daughter and asked, ‘Which one do you like the most?”
“She chose the Blue Jays.”
Whether this was truly one of the main reasons he signed with the Blue Jays is one thing. However, it demonstrates that Okamoto is a family man who values his children’s input.
It illustrates the importance of adding players who aren’t just great at their professional jobs but are also great human beings.
Okamoto’s Fit With the Blue Jays
Elsewhere in the press conference, both Okamoto and Atkins explained how he would fit into the lineup. Specifically, they mentioned what defensive position he would play.
“He likes playing different positions,” Okamoto said via translator. “He likes being a utility player.”
“We are set up in a way that he can help us in many different ways defensively,” Atkins followed up.
It was noted previously that Okamoto has experience at first base, third base, and in the outfield. He will be utilized in a variety of different roles. His versatility is something that the Blue Jays are attracted to, and something Okamoto himself prides himself on being.
On the Blue Jays website, Okamoto is listed as an infielder on the 40-man roster page.
Blue Jays Adding More Players?
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Blue Jays press conference without someone asking how Okamoto’s deal will impact any more deals this offseason. Atkins is playing his cards close to the vest and didn’t give up much in his responses to these questions.
“Additions at this point will cut away from playing time,” Atkins said. “We’ll always be open to making our organization and team better. If there is a way to do that…we will lean into creative ways to do so.”
While this doesn’t explicitly rule out adding another player, Atkins revealed something important. From this point on, the Blue Jays need to weigh the players they already have before adding more.
They are likely to add at least one other player, even with the addition of the slugger Okamoto. It’s a good day for Blue Jays fans and Okamoto’s daughter, who can now see the Blue Jays logo more often.
New Blue Jays Slugger Reveals Wonderful Family Moment at Press Conference