These contract details about the Kazuma Okamoto signing makes the move look better for the Blue Jays

Cameron Belcher

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These contract details about the Kazuma Okamoto signing makes the move look better for the Blue Jays image

The Toronto Blue Jays made a big splash on Saturday by signing elite Japanese free agent Kazuma Okamoto to what we now know is a four-year, $60 million deal.

A move like this is good news for the Blue Jays for obvious reasons, because, ideally, with this move, Toronto becomes an even bigger threat than before, as they are coming off a World Series appearance that went seven games against the Dodgers.

However, as more details emerged about Okamoto's contract, fans of the reigning American League champions received even better news. They can be more excited about this season and the future ahead.

More: The Blue Jays’ latest move shows how serious they are about contending

The reason is that there is no opt-out option for the infielder throughout the duration of his contract, which is highly significant because it is typically rare for big-time signings.

The Blue Jays are not satisfied with just making the World Series last season; with moves such as this, along with other marquee signings this season, such as bringing in Dylan Cease, the right-handed ace from the San Diego Padres, on a seven-year deal last month.

Okamoto, the 29-year-old, had a.322 batting average, 15 home runs, and 51 runs batted in last season in Japan, and was a six-time all-star in his 11 seasons in the Nippon Professional Baseball league (NPB).

With a move of this stature by Toronto, it is hard to imagine seeing free agent shortstop Bo Bichette back with the team that has spent his entire seven-season career thus far with the Blue Jays. Still, if Okamoto was the plan for Bichette's replacement, the team may be getting a bigger bang for their buck for the next four seasons.

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Contributing Writer