Yup, the Blue Jays are already gaining a foothold in the Pacific Rim.
Earlier this week, we wrote that the signing of Kazuma Okamoto could have an impact beyond just baseball in 2026 for the Toronto Blue Jays. If the Blue Jays are able to create fans in Japan, then that opens up the door for new financial, marketing, merchandising and revenue opportunities.
Furthermore, if the Blue Jays are able to showcase Toronto as a destination for Japanese players, that is excellent too. An Asia to Toronto pipeline can only be good for roster building purposes in the future.
On Thursday, we saw those visions already coming to fruition, as Japanese pitcher Taisei Ota was seen wearing a Blue Jays' City Connect cap while throwing.
Apparently it's not just him. According to 'Gaijin Baseball' on social media, Yomiuri Giants pitcher Kenshin Hotta is also wearing Blue Jays gear. Hota is only 24 years old and just went 4-1 with a 2.19 ERA in the NPB. He could potentially want to come to the United States in the future.
Let us repeat. Any foothold that the Jays can get in Japan is a good thing, and if Okamoto comes to Toronto and has success, that will put other Japanese players on notice. Furthermore, if Okamoto has a positive experience and takes that back to his home nation, then the word will spread even faster about how special things are in Ontario.
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Also for the Jays
--In bad news, longtime Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette will meet with the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday afternoon. The interest is said to be real on both sides and former Blue Jays bench coach Don Mattingly, now with the Phillies, could be a determining factor for Bichette.
If Bichette signed in Philadelphia, he'd likely have to move to third base to work alongside Trea Turner and Bryson Stott.
--If Bichette did move on from Toronto, that would leave the Jays free to go after Kyle Tucker, who they've been connected to all offseason. If they were able to land Tucker, then Addison Barger would play third, Ernie Clement would play second and Okamoto would likely become a super utility player.
--Thursday was the deadline to avoid arbitration with players and the Jays came to terms with Daulton Varsho, Tyler Heineman and Clement. Eric Lauer was the only one not to agree to a deal, though there is still time before the two sides have to go to an arbitration hearing.
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