The Toronto Blue Jays have been linked to nearly all of the top free agents left on the market this winter. Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman, Bo Bichette, and even Cody Bellinger have all been linked to the Blue Jays.
But a new name has emerged as a potential free agent target for the Blue Jays. While he's not a top name, nor will he cost nearly as much as any of those players, he would still be a great addition. That player is Japanese free agent infielder Kazuma Okamoto.
According to Jon Heyman of The New York Post, the Blue Jays are one of five teams, along with the Boston Red Sox, showing interest in Okamoto before his posting window expires.
Blue Jays interested in Kazuma Okamoto alongside Red Sox, three other clubs
"The Padres are interested in Japanese 1B-3B Kazuma Okamoto," Heyman reports, "as are the Pirates, Cubs, Jays and Red Sox."
The Blue Jays are one of five teams showing an interest in Okamoto, and with the Los Angeles Angels also previously being linked to him, this looks to be a busy market.
Munetaka Murakami signed with the Chicago White Sox, and Tatsuya Imai signed with the Houston Astros, leaving Okamoto as the clear top remaining Japanese free agent this winter.
He's an interesting fit for the Blue Jays, as he could be a potential Bo Bichette replacement if the Blue Jays elect to let him leave in free agency.
This signing, if the Blue Jays pull it off, would also not likely interfere with their pursuit of Tucker or Bellinger this winter.
More: Blue Jays signing pitcher who beat Hodgkin lymphoma is the best story you'll read today
Okamoto won't cost a lot, and should be cheaper than all of the top free agents currently available on the market. Instead of trying to make Tucker and Bichette or Bregman work, the Blue Jays could sign Okamoto and more easily fit another top name on their books.
The field for Okamoto is crowded, and it includes the Red Sox as well. Wherever he signs, there could be major ramifications for the rest of the free agent market.
If he joins the Blue Jays, they will (most likely) be out of the Bregman and Bichette sweepstakes. The same can be said for the Red Sox if they get him.
The Blue Jays' interest in Okamoto is one to keep in mind as the posting window, which is Sunday, January 4th, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time, approaches.
This market will move fast with a deadline on the horizon, and the Blue Jays are one such team now in the mix for the top remaining Japanese free agent this winter.
More Blue Jays News:
- Kyle Tucker spotted at Blue Jays facility, per MLB insider
- ESPN insider reveals why Blue Jays' Bo Bichette is still unsigned
- Blue Jays predicted to sign $500M Gold Glove winner, 2-time Silver Slugger, World Series champion
- Blue Jays prediction from ESPN's Jeff Passan is good news on top free agents
- Blue Jays get concerning Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette, Alex Bregman free agent rumor
- Blue Jays are 'dark horse' for ex-Astros, Red Sox All-Star infielder