(Toronto) The Toronto Blue Jays and Japanese third baseman Kazuma Okamoto, a free agent, have agreed to terms on a four-year, $60 million contract, two sources familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Saturday.
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These sources requested anonymity as the agreement has not yet been made public.
Okamoto will receive a signing bonus of 5 million, a salary of 7 million this year and 16 million for each of the following three seasons.
A six-time All-Star selection, Okamoto has a .277 batting average with 248 home runs and 717 RBIs in 11 seasons in the Japanese major leagues.
He led the Central League in home runs in 2020, 2021 and 2023. He notably hit a home run against Kyle Freeland of the Colorado Rockies, contributing to Japan’s 3-2 victory over the United States in the final of the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
According to the transfer agreement between Major League Baseball and the Japanese Professional Baseball League, an agreement must be finalized by 5 p.m. Sunday.
Okamoto, 29, posted a .327 batting average with 15 home runs and 51 RBIs in 77 games last season for the Yomiuri Giants.
The Japanese, who can also play first base, injured his left elbow on May 6 while trying to catch a pitch to first base in a collision with Takumu Nakano of the Hanshin Tigers. This injury kept him sidelined until August 16.
With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first base, Okamoto would likely play primarily third base. Addison Barger started 67 times last season, Ernie Clement 66 times, Will Wagner 22 times, Isiah Kiner-Falefa six times and Buddy Kennedy once.
The Blue Jays, who have not confirmed the signing, will have to pay a transfer fee of 10,875 million to the Japanese team once the deal is finalized.
