Kazuma Okamoto became the newest name in the Toronto Blue Jays’ offseason plans after the team signed the Japanese power hitter to a four-year, $60 million contract over the weekend. The move was meant to boost the Blue Jays’ batting lineup, but it quickly sparked debate across Major League Baseball circles.Soon after the deal became public, MLB insider Jim Bowden shared a strong reaction. Speaking on the Foul Territory podcast this week, Bowden said he did not like how Toronto used its money. He believes the Blue Jays should have chased bigger targets like Kyle Tucker or Bo Bichette instead of spending overseas.
Jim Bowden says Kazuma Okamoto is a good hitter but “not the right fit” for Toronto
Jim Bowden spoke about the signing during a recent episode of the Foul Territory podcast, which streams from the United States and features daily MLB talk from former executives and analysts. While discussing Toronto’s offseason moves, Bowden made it clear he was not impressed with the direction. “Yeah, I like the player, but I don’t like the fit for Toronto,” Bowden said. “I don’t like that they signed him. I don’t like that they invested that money in him. I’d rather see that money go for Kyle Tucker or Bo Bichette, or both.”Bowden did not question Kazuma Okamoto’s bat. In fact, he praised his hitting skills and power. He explained that Okamoto has a strong swing, can drive the ball, and knows how to get on base.“I really like the bat,” Bowden added. “I think he can hit. I think he’s got more power than people think. He puts the ball in play and he’ll draw walks.”Okamoto, who built his career in Japan before moving to MLB, is expected to add pop to Toronto’s order. The Blue Jays finalized the deal over the weekend after weeks of reports linking them to both overseas talent and big MLB names.Jim Bowden’s biggest concern was not offense. It was defense. While still on the podcast, he pointed out that Toronto’s success last season came from strong fielding, not just hitting. “I think the bat fits what they want to do,” Bowden said. “But he can’t really play third base well. He’s a below-average defender. One thing I loved about the Blue Jays last year was that they were the best defensive team in the American League.”Bowden believes adding Okamoto changes that identity. He feels the team moved away from what made them strong.During the same show, Bowden also spoke about how this signing affects Toronto’s future moves. He said the contract likely takes the Blue Jays out of the race to sign both Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette.“It takes them out of doing both Tucker and Bichette,” Bowden said. “But it doesn’t take them out of doing one or the other.”The Blue Jays have been heavily linked to Bo Bichette in recent weeks, while Kyle Tucker has also been mentioned in offseason talks. With Okamoto now signed, fans are watching closely to see which direction Toronto chooses next.Also Read: MLB Trade Rumors: Cody Bellinger Draws Chicago Cubs And New York Yankees Interest While Rockies Weigh Brenton Doyle, Mickey Moniak Moves
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