Slow market: Scott Boras “blames” the Blue Jays

This afternoon, the Blue Jays introduced Kazuma Okamoto to the Toronto media. I say Toronto media, but in fact, there were quite a few Japanese present at the Rogers Centre.

Of course, Scott Boras was present. Why was he there? Because every time one of his clients signs a major contract, the agent arranges to be present at the press conference.

Obviously, as long as Boras was on hand, the journalists present took the time to ask him questions. Among them: why is the market for position players so slow?

Jokingly, the agent replied that it was Ross's fault. He said it all while pointing to Ross Atkins, the Blue Jays GM who was at his side for the press briefing, and he said it with a laugh.

Asked by @GregorChisholm why the position player market is developing slowly in free agency this year, Scott Boras joked. “That's Ross's fault.”

– Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) January 6, 2026

We know Boras is the reason things are wobbly in the handle. He must have been projecting a bit…

The biggest contract Boras signed this winter (and possibly the biggest he'll sign this winter) was in November with the Blue Jays, when Dylan Cease put ink to paper.

Taking Okamoto into account as well, it's clear that the agent was making jokes to get the locals laughing. Because if there's one club doing everything it can to get the deal off the ground, it's the Blue Jays.

In fact, Boras (once again) praised the Blue Jays for doing things the right way.

Boras was once again very complimentary of the Blue Jays.

Says they have state-of-the-art facilities, and is amazed by the strong fan base. Says there's a real commitment from ownership to invest at every level.

– Brandon Wile (@Brandon_N_Wile) January 6, 2026

But hey. Still, it's clear that, with just over a month to go before training camps open, it's time for a number of players to find work… not only for themselves, but also so that “lesser” free agents can find work afterwards.

To be continued.

• The passion of Toronto fans helped Okamoto sign in town.

Watching the #BlueJays in October, Kazuma Okamoto says that he noticed the fans and how much love there was for the team. [via interpreter]

“I didn't really understand the possibility… It didn't really come into my mind that I would be able to play in such an amazing location.”

– Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) January 6, 2026

• The Blue Jays' Japanese player would like to go to the World Classic.

Kazuma Okamoto says discussions are ongoing, but he hopes to play for Japan in the WBC

– Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) January 6, 2026

• The daughter of the Blue Jays' new player loves the club's logo.

Kazuma Okamoto says he put all 30 MLB logos in front of his daughter and she pointed to the Blue Jays.

– Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) January 6, 2026

• Nice effort.

“I'm very happy to join the Blue Jays… Go Blue Jays!”

Kazuma Okamoto introduces himself to Toronto. pic.twitter.com/4ZT2jqIqjw

– Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 6, 2026

This content was created with the help of AI.