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Blue Jays: Why Kazuma Okamoto should be the full-time third baseman
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Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Aidan Sinclair
Feb 19, 2026, 05:00 ESTUpdated: Feb 18, 2026, 20:09 EST
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As the Blue Jays near their first spring game, fans are becoming endeared to the newest member of the roster, Kazuma Okamoto. Highlights have already emerged from the 29-year-old Japanese phenom, hitting home runs in live at-bats in the back fields of the Jays’ Player Development Complex in Dunedin, creating tremendous hype for his eventual MLB debut. 
Manager John Schneider has made it clear that Ernie Clement will handle the majority of second-base duties after a remarkable 2025 postseason run, with Addison Barger moving to an outfield role in 2026. This leaves Okamoto as the sensible option to man third full-time. Some may say he should contribute in a platoon role, solely hitting left-handed pitching due to his proven prowess against southpaws in the NPB, though his numbers against righties are nothing to scoff at. 
In 2025 alone, he registered a .295 AVG and a 186 WRC+ against righties with 9 home runs (15 total) to pair with a 1.31 K/BB rate. Comparatively, Alejandro Kirk possessed a remarkable 1.21 K/BB rate against righties in 2025, and he is known for great plate discipline. Okamoto has been a consistent, well-rounded force in the NPB for a decade, displaying elite contact, power and above-average plate discipline. Offensively, there are reasons to believe he will succeed at third base full-time. 
The more pressing question remains how he will handle the position defensively.
From Matt Chapman to Isiah Kiner-Falefa to, most recently, Clement, the Jays have deployed elite defence at the hot corner, and it’s unlikely Okamoto will be able to replicate it. That is not to suggest that he is by any means a subpar defender, having already showcased his soft hands through ground ball practice at Spring Training. 
He recorded a respectable .985 fielding percentage at third base last year, and though he grades out better as a first baseman, the playing time will not present itself with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. likely to man the position for the next 14 years. In the last two seasons,s Okamoto was a primary third baseman (2021/2022). He won the gold glove award for the NPB Central League and won it at first base in 2024, where he will slot in as the backup behind Guerrero. 
Okamoto has officially been added to Team Japan for the WBC, meaning he will spend some time away from the Jays during Spring Training, making his first few weeks of camp imperative to his MLB development. He has already been seen working on his defence at the hot corner with Carlos Febles, as well as taking new Jays starter Cody Ponce deep in live at-bats a few days ago. 
Apart from his skillset on the field, he has described himself to reporters as very “manly” and “serious”, with a great sense of humour as well. The Jays have welcomed him with open arms, and it seems like the perfect personality type that will fit into the clubhouse and go to work every day to perfect his craft.
Schneider has stated that he wants Okamoto to play in the Jays’ first Spring Training game this Saturday, the 21st, against the Philadelphia Phillies, eager to see his first action against American pitching since he dominated in the 2023 WBC. 
Fans should have overwhelming reason to believe that Okamoto will soon become a household name in MLB. His presence has already been felt during the first few days of camp, with loads of media tracking his every move. Though he may not be a Shohei Ohtani or Yoshinobu Yamamoto, he was the captain of one of the most popular teams in Japan, the Yomiuri Giants, as a representation of his leadership and performance. It won’t be long before we see the “Young General” playing at the Rogers Centre in front of a sold-out crowd. 

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