Blue Jays’ Kazuma Okamoto to play for Japan at World Baseball Traditional

Kazuma Okamoto can be again within the coronary heart of Japan’s order on the upcoming World Baseball Traditional.

Another notable big-leaguers introduced to the roster had been Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Munetaka Murakami, Yusei Kikuchi and Seiya Suzuki.

Okamoto, signed by the Blue Jays on a four-year, $60-million contract in early January, had emerged as one of many prime energy threats for the Yomiuri Giants in Nippon Skilled Baseball earlier than deciding to make the transfer to MLB.

The 29-year-old infielder performed in simply 69 video games for the Giants attributable to an elbow harm in 2025, however nonetheless managed to crank 15 homers whereas slashing .327/.416/.598.

He was a key a part of Japan’s World Baseball Traditional victory in 2023, posting a 1.278 OPS with two longballs within the event, together with one towards the USA within the championship sport.

Okamoto can be certainly one of many Blue Jays participating on this 12 months’s Traditional.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Dominican Republic), Alejandro Kirk (Mexico), José Berríos (Puerto Rico), Cody Ponce (Mexico), Adam Macko (Canada), Leo Jimenez (Panama), Yariel Rodriguez (Cuba) and Ernie Clement (United States) have all both dedicated to play or have said their curiosity in taking part in for his or her nations.

Okamoto and Japan will host Pool C play on the Tokyo Dome, the place the reigning champs will look to complete prime two within the group, rounded out by Australia, Czechia, Chinese language Taipei, and Korea. The highest two finishers in round-robin motion will advance to the quarterfinals hosted in Miami.

Pool C begins play on March 5.