Blue Jays emerge as landing spot for .992 OPS free agent from Japan

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Blue Jays emerge as landing spot for .992 OPS free agent from Japan originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Toronto Blue Jays are one of many teams still eyeing the top free agents on the market. With interest in Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, and Bo Bichette, the Blue Jays landing a top name wouldn't be a surprise.

But, they aren't likely to land multiple of those superstars atop the market. Just one would be coming to Toronto if they end up signing one. But there are other options if they want to add multiple position players.

According to Brian Murphy of MLB.com, the Blue Jays are one team showing interest in top Japanese free agent Kazuma Okamoto. The right-handed hitting corner infielder is meeting with teams this week, and the Blue Jays might be one of them.

Blue Jays interested in free agent infielder Kazuma Okamoto

"Okamoto, 29, has been linked to a host of teams this offseason," Murphy writes, "including the Padres, Angels, Pirates, Blue Jays, and Red Sox."

The Blue Jays being linked to Okamoto as an interested team is noteworthy, as the San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates, and the Los Angeles Angels have seemed to be the favorites so far this offseason.

Toronto could wind up getting the 29-year-old corner infielder, who would take over at third base, likely closing the door for Bregman or Bichette to come back to Toronto this winter.

More: Kyle Tucker spotted at Blue Jays facility, per MLB insider

But, since his deal would likely be fairly cheap compared to the top sluggers on the market, the Blue Jays could still have room left to sign Tucker to a massive contract.

Signing Tucker and Okamoto isn't out of the realm of possibility for the Blue Jays. And this report, that the Blue Jays are interested in Okamoto, right as he's meeting with teams, is one to keep in mind.

With a singing window closing at 5 p.m. Eastern time on Sunday, January 4th, the Blue Jays have just a few days to make a deal work.

He's strongly linked to the Pirates, Padres, and Angels, but the Blue Jays, and potentially even the Red Sox, could become serious suitors for the six-time All-Star from Japan who had a .992 OPS in 2025 across 77 games.