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Does the signing of Kazuma Okamoto cut into the Blue Jays' chances of signing Bo Bichette? That's the baseball question on the lips of just about every Blue Jays fan.
It's a good question, actually.
I don't know if it's because of the Nippon signing that Ken Rosenthal said what he said about Bichette, but the Baseball Informant believes that right now, Bo Bichette's return to Toronto is highly unlikely.
That's a big statement.
Ernie Clement would only be squeezed for playing time if the Blue Jays re-signed Bo Bichette, which @Ken_Rosenthal believes is increasingly unlikely. pic.twitter.com/tfbCYlpE9A
– Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) January 6, 2026
Congestion in the infield is clearly a factor, considering Ernie Clement is likely to go to second base and Kazuma Okamoto will get plenty of playing time at third.
Even though he says he's ready to play all over the field.
Asked about his defensive skillset, Kazuma Okamoto says he's flexible & open to different positions. Ross Atkins says Okamoto could contribute “in several ways, so we'll continue to have that dialogue with him.”
Jays announced Okamoto as an infielder. He can play 1B, 3B, some OF
– Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) January 6, 2026
But since many people have been doubting Bichette's desire to stay long-term for years, we have to wonder if there isn't a bit of that in the informant's answer as well.
Who knows?
If ever a player were to sign, Kyle Tucker would be a slightly more logical option in Rosenthal's eyes. We know that the outfielder's name refuses to die in town.
Will it really happen? We'll see.
Incidentally, Ross Atkins, on the heels of Okamoto's press conference, was asked about the Blue Jays' desire to add another piece to the 2026 offensive lineup.
His answer? Anything's possible, but it would mean cutting an important player's playing time.
Atkins on future #BlueJays moves:
“We'll always be open to making our organization and team better, if there's a way to do that.”
… Additions at this point will start to cut away at playing time from players that we feel are very good MLB pieces. So we have to factor that in.”
– Mitch Bannon (@MitchBannon) January 6, 2026
So it doesn't mean no… but it does mean that publicly, the GM wants everyone to know that the club isn't desperate – and rightly so – to add one more piece.
Bottom line? The Nippon signing has given the Blue Jays leverage, and the GM intends to use it publicly.
The GM, who knows he has the financial backing of his bosses, hasn't closed the door on an addition. And if a Kyle Tucker (left-handed hitting outfielder) ever wanted to sign at the Blue Jays' price, the club could clearly find common ground.
Nothing's decided yet.
- A Toronto steakhouse offers Bo Bichette free food for life if he stays.
Animl, a Toronto steakhouse owned by nightlife impresario Charles Khabouth and Ink Entertainment, is offering Bo Bichette free “steak for life” if he re-signs with the @BlueJays pic.twitter.com/Yine9BUEDJ
– Andrew Russell (@andrewglobal) January 6, 2026
- The A's are unable to purchase the names “Vegas Athletics” and “Las Vegas Athletics” at this time.
The A's have been denied trademarks for “Las Vegas Athletics” and “Vegas Athletics” by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. pic.twitter.com/IGYaDQ1Q9C
– Front Office Sports (@FOS) January 6, 2026
- Will Freddy Peralta be traded?
Could we see an ace on the move from Milwaukee?
https://t.co/fGPbvbj8w4 pic.twitter.com/ggbzbzAPNA
– MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) January 6, 2026
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