The Jays are already gaining exposure in Japan, just as we said they would.
When the Toronto Blue Jays officially signed Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto over the weekend, we knew that there would be a bigger impact than just what he produces on the field.
The ability to gain a foothold in the Asian market is a big deal. At the very least, having a presence in Asia and Japan gives the organization a chance to make more money when it comes to marketing and merchandising. That's good for the economics of the organization, which can ultimately filter down to the roster.
Beyond that? If the Jays are seen as a destination by Japanese players, that's something that can continue to better the organization directly from the player acquisition and player development side of things.
Well, it appears that just a few days into the Okamoto deal, that's already happening.
The popular Japanese baseball account @Yakyucosmo on "X" shared a video of Yomiuri Giants reliever Taisei Ota wearing a Blue Jays "City Connect" hat.
Ota, also a member of the Japanese World Baseball Classic roster, is only 26 years old and could be an option for MLB teams in the future. The fact that he's already aware of the Blue Jays and wearing the hat might mean nothing, or it might be a sign that the Blue Jays have laid the groundwork for a nice Japanese pipeline.
Given the momentum of the organization after the World Series run, the international exposure that was received in that run, and the financial might that the organization has, it certainly feels like a pipeline can build from Japan to Rogers Centre.
The Blue Jays have had Munenori Kawasaki and Yusei Kikuchi on the roster within the last 15 years as well.
More Blue Jays stories:
About Okamoto
A questionable defender, Okamoto is better known for his bat. About to turn 30 years old, he's a .277 career hitter in the NPB with 248 home runs. He makes exceptional contact and only struck out 11.3 percent of the time in 2025.
His power and contact ability make him a perfect addition to the Toronto lineup, but there are questions about his defense and his positioning. Thus far, it appears like the Jays will utilize him as a super-utility player, giving him time at first base, third base, DH and in the outfield.
Things will get further complicated if the Jays sign Bo Bichette or Kyle Tucker, who they are still being linked to in free agency.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
Remember to join our BLUE JAYS on ROUNDTABLE community, which is FREE! You can post your own thoughts, in text or video form, and you can engage with our Roundtable staff, as well as other Blue Jays fans. If prompted to download the Roundtable APP, that's free too!