Vladimir Guerrero Jr. speaks on how things have been going with Kazuma Okamoto
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Victor William
Feb 16, 2026 (11:26 PM)
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Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. welcomes Kazuma Okamoto with open arms, proving this new duo is already building the bond needed for a deep October run.
The energy in Dunedin is absolutely electric this morning as the reigning American League champions welcome their newest power hitter.
Kazuma Okamoto (Age 29, Drafted Round 1, 2014 by Yomiuri Giants) has officially landed in Blue Jays camp, and the vibe is instantly infectious.
After a dominant career in Japan where he launched 248 home runs, the slugger is ready to take over third base in Toronto.
Fans were already excited about his bat, but Vladdy just gave us another reason to love the new addition.
Watching these two connect off the field is exactly the kind of camaraderie that builds winning cultures.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on Kazuma Okamoto:
“The good thing about him is that he knows a little bit of Spanish, so we can communicate a little bit there.”
The legend grows:
• "Very manly"
• Speaks a bit of Spanish
“The good thing about him is that he knows a little bit of Spanish, so we can communicate a little bit there.”
The legend grows:
• "Very manly"
• Speaks a bit of Spanish
Guerrero noted that the transition is going smoothly because Okamoto actually knows a bit of Spanish, allowing the two stars to communicate effortlessly.
Okamoto even joked with the media that he is "very manly", a quote that immediately won over the entire Jays faithful.
The Blue Jays are forging an unstoppable lineup
There is a sense of pure relief seeing the core of this team embrace the new guy with such genuine excitement.
Vladdy is coming off a massive 2025 season where he hit .292 with 23 home runs and an .848 OPS, leading the offensive charge.
Adding Okamoto to a lineup that just won the AL pennant makes this group incredibly dangerous for opposing pitchers across the league.
Okamoto brings a career .277 average from the NPB and a reputation for being one of the most consistent power threats on the planet.
Even in a 2025 season shortened by injury, he managed to hit .327 with 15 home runs in just 69 games.
Watching Vladdy and Okamoto joke around during batting practice drills shows that the clubhouse culture in Toronto is simply stronger than ever.
Every rep in spring training feels like a step toward finishing the job they started last October.
The budding connection between the face of the franchise and the new Japanese star is the exact spark we needed to start the spring on a high note.
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