Blue Jays' Kazuma Okamoto Already Showing Great Sense of Humor

Toronto will hope his bat matches his comedic chops.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Kazuma Okamoto, the new Toronto Blue Jays third baseman from Japan, has already displayed a fun and lighthearted sense of humor during his introductory press conference. Though he has yet to play an MLB game, Okamoto joked that he is "very serious... and very manly" before laughing, showcasing his comedic timing and personality.

Why it matters

The Blue Jays are hoping Okamoto can be a productive replacement for the departed Bo Bichette, who signed a lucrative deal with the Mets. If Okamoto can match his strong hitting numbers from Japan with his MLB debut, he could prove to be a bargain for Toronto on a four-year, $60 million contract.

The details

Okamoto is known as a contact hitter with solid plate discipline and decent power in Japan. While he may not be an elite defensive third baseman, he will man the hot corner for the Blue Jays, with Andres Gimenez at shortstop and Ernie Clement at second base. Okamoto will have to make a quick impression, as he will soon leave the team to represent Japan in the World Baseball Classic.

  • Okamoto delivered his humorous quote at his press conference on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
  • Okamoto will leave the Blue Jays soon to represent Japan in the World Baseball Classic.

The players

Kazuma Okamoto

A new third baseman for the Toronto Blue Jays, signed to a four-year, $60 million contract after playing in Japan.

Bo Bichette

The former Blue Jays shortstop who signed a three-year, $126 million deal with the New York Mets in the offseason.

Andres Gimenez

The Blue Jays' starting shortstop.

Ernie Clement

The Blue Jays' starting second baseman.

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What they’re saying

“I'm very serious ... and very manly. I think I can say that about myself.”

— Kazuma Okamoto (MLB.com)

What’s next

Okamoto will need to make a strong impression during spring training and the early part of the season before leaving the team to represent Japan in the World Baseball Classic.

The takeaway

Okamoto's humorous personality and self-deprecating joke at his introductory press conference have already endeared him to Blue Jays fans, who will be hoping his bat can match his comedic chops as he looks to prove himself as a productive and cost-effective replacement for the departed Bo Bichette.