Blue Jays Nation

Blue Jays’ Kazuma Okamoto finishes 7th in American League Rookie of the Year voting

Blue Jays’ Kazuma Okamoto finishes 7th in American League Rookie of the Year voting
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Michael Coyle
Nov 10, 2026, 06:00 ESTUpdated: Nov 10, 2026, 00:02 EST
Comments
The American League Rookie of the Year Award was presented on Monday night, with Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonicle taking home the honours. 
McGonicle appeared in 156 games for the Tigers in 2026 and batted .278 with 18 home runs and 72 RBIs. The 22-year-old, a former 37th overall draft pick in 2023, received 28 of the 30 first-place votes to etch his name in Major League Baseball’s history books. 
While he didn’t win the award, Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Kazuma Okamoto capped off his strong rookie campaign by finishing seventh overall in the voting. Okamoto received one third-place vote, four fourth-place votes, and six fifth-place votes. 
Okamoto finished behind McGonicle, Parker Messick of the Cleveland Guardians, Boston Red Sox left-hander Payton Tolle, Munetaka Murakami from the Chicago White Sox, catcher Carter Jensen from the Kansas City Royals, and Guardians outfielder Chase DeLauter. 
Across 156 games, Okamoto batted .232 with 33 home runs and 92 RBIs. The 30-year-old reached base at a .310 clip, and led the Blue Jays in home runs, RBIs, slugging, and on-base plus slugging. With an offence that slumped to the fewest runs and home runs in the majors, Okamoto was often the lone bright spot in the lineup on a nightly basis. 
Signed to a four-year, $60-million contract in January, Okamoto’s rookie campaign will go down as one of the best in franchise history. On August 18 Okamoto hit his 25th home run of the season off former Blue Jay Steven Matz, surpassing Eric Hinske’s rookie home run record of 24 set during the 2002 season. 
On September 8, Okamoto ensured he would join some of the greatest Japanese baseball players to appear in MLB. Okamoto launched his 30th home run of the season off Athletics right-hander Jack Perkins. Okamoto joined Hideki Matsui, Shohei Ohtani, Seiya Suzuki, and Murakami as the fifth Japanese-born player to reach the 30-home-run plateau in a season. 
In October, Okamoto was named to Baseball America’s 2026 MLB All-Rookie Team, and will look to build on his first year in North America when the Blue Jays kick off their 2027 season on March 25 against the New York Yankees. 

PRESENTED BY THE PERFECT 9 COLLECTION

Some baseball traditions never get old. The Perfect 9 Collection is our newest limited-edition collaboration with Blue Jays Today, inspired by the viral 9/9/9 challenge that has become a staple of baseball culture. Whether you’re taking on the challenge or just enjoying a day at the ballpark, this collection celebrates the moments that make baseball unforgettable. Featuring premium Levelwear apparel with elevated fabrics and modern fits, it’s designed for fans who live and breathe the game—on game day and beyond. Limited edition. Premium quality. Built for baseball fans. Shop the Perfect 9 Collection while it lasts. Exclusively at nationgear.ca
News
MORE NEWS. IN YOUR INBOX.
CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Breaking News