Kazuma Okamoto not at Toronto Blue Jays Spring Training yet due to legal issues
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Victor William
Feb 12, 2026 (7:38)
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Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Kazuma Okamoto is currently delayed by visa issues, but his imminent arrival in Dunedin changes the entire outlook of this lineup.
Ross Atkins confirmed today that the front office is still working through the necessary paperwork to get their new superstar into the country.
While waiting is frustrating, the general manager remains highly confident we will see him on the field sometime this coming weekend.
Okamoto (Signed as Free Agent, 2026 by Blue Jays) represents the massive power injection this roster desperately craved all winter.
The 29-year-old slugger was an absolute monster in Japan before signing his massive contract to finally cross the ocean.
Watch Ross Atkins deliver the encouraging update to the media regarding the visa process right here.
The #BlueJays are still working through the visa process with Kazuma Okamoto and he is not in Dunedin just yet.
"We're confident that we'll see him sometime this weekend," Ross Atkins says.
"We're confident that we'll see him sometime this weekend," Ross Atkins says.
Before an elbow injury shortened his 2025 season, he posted a phenomenal .327 average with 15 home runs in just 69 games.
That kind of elite production is exactly why management paid a hefty posting fee to secure his services.
The wait will absolutely be worth it for this elite power
Blue Jays fans are literally counting down the minutes until they can finally see him taking batting practice in a Toronto uniform.
His arrival instantly lengthens the batting order and provides serious protection for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the heart of the lineup.
International transitions always involve some red tape, so a minor administrative delay in February is nothing to lose sleep over.
Getting his timing down against major league pitching during the Grapefruit League is the only thing that matters right now.
Adjusting to the immense velocity of big league fastballs takes repetitions, and missing a few early days of camp will not ruin his preparation.
The coaching staff has a customized schedule ready to ensure he is fully acclimated before Opening Day arrives.
Adding his bat to an offense that already features significant firepower makes this team an absolute nightmare for opposing pitchers.
This weekend promises to be a massive celebration when the Japanese icon finally walks into the clubhouse to meet his new teammates.
The hype train is officially boarding, and Okamoto is ready to take the American League East by storm.
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