Kazuma Okamoto to Toronto: What does that mean for Bo Bichette?

The Blue Jays have signed hitter Kazuma Okamoto to a contract. According to reports, he will earn $15 million a year for four years, for a total of $60 million. He has also not been granted an opt-out.

This raises a number of questions.

1. Okamoto is good at third base and his best position is first base. The consensus is that he'll only help out at first base if Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is healthy.

I also see him playing in left field and as a pinch-hitter. But I expect to see him move around a lot.

2. With George Springer as the DH, it's getting harder and harder to see a path where Anthony Santander will be a regular with the club. But the picture can change quickly.

His performances in camp will have to be excellent, in any case.

3. Does this take the Blue Jays out of the race for Alex Bregman, Bo Bichette, or Kyle Tucker? I don't think so, considering the fact that Jeff Passan has often said that two hitters could sign in town.

Two of Bregman, Bichette, or Tucker is virtually impossible right now. But another, in addition to the Japanese player, makes sense.

More than ever, Bregman seems to be a long shot. But Tucker, in the outfield, could clearly still be a target. The same goes for Bichette in the middle of the infield.

The versatility of guys like Addison Barger and Ernie Clement will help a lot.

Blue Jays presumably out of the Alex Bregman competition now https://t.co/chji1ZUR9s

– Gabrielle Starr (@gfstarr1) January 3, 2026

4. The Blue Jays aren't afraid to spend. Right now, they have a projected $309 million and only the Los Angeles Dodgers are better off. That's no mean feat.

Here's the picture in the AL East division.

2026 AL East CBT payrolls, per Roster Resource

Pretty incredible to see the gap in spending between Toronto and the field right now.

1. Blue Jays: $309M
2. Yankees: $286M
3. Red Sox: $241M
4. Orioles: $188M
5. Rays: $95M

– Brandon Wile (@Brandon_N_Wile) January 3, 2026

5. By necessity, the Blue Jays have more tools on the market. Trading an outfielder for backup could be a solution—especially if Kyle Tucker is still in play.

Who could be sacrificed? Joey Loperfido?

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