Toronto Blue Jays looking to turn free agent all-star infielder into outfielder

Okamoto's posting window ends Sunday at 5 p.m., so the decision point is close. Most teams still view him as a corner infielder, but Toronto is reportedly exploring a different lane as they have shown a lot of interest in him lately.

That matters because the Jays already have internal infield routes they might prefer to protect. If the front office wants Okamoto's bat without clogging first or third base, the outfield becomes the creative solution.

Some fans love the boldness of the idea, while others worry the glove would be stretched too far. That split is fair, because «can stand out there» is not the same as «belongs out there.»

The hitting track record is what keeps the conversation loud. Okamoto, 29, hit .327 with a .416 on-base percentage and a .598 slugging percentage in 2025, and his career line sits at .277/.361/.521 with 248 home runs.

Those numbers point to a steady, professional at-bat more than a one-tool slugger. A telling note is his 33 walks and 33 strikeouts in 2025, a clean ratio that suggests controlled aggression.

Defense is the hinge, not the headline. Okamoto played mostly first and third in Japan, and he logged 15 outfield games in 2024, but evaluators still frame outfield work as situational coverage.

Toronto can afford to think this way because it was one win from a championship last season. When a roster is that close, adding another above-average bat can feel like a luxury, yet still be practical.

The other layer is roster chess, with the Jays linked to big swings like Kyle Tucker and a possible Bo Bichette return. If those pursuits stall, Okamoto becomes a smart pivot, and if they land, he becomes a depth-driven advantage.

If the Blue Jays do land him, the next milestone will be simple and loud, find the right defensive usage, then let the bat force its way into October plans.

Source: The Sporting News