The Toronto Blue Jays made a splash in free agency on Saturday.
Corner infielder Kazuma Okamoto reportedly signed a four-year, $60 million contract with the Blue Jays. He is expected to become the starting third baseman in Toronto, adding another potentially powerful bat to a lineup with first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and outfielders Anthony Santander and George Springer.
Okamoto also creates a domino effect on the infield. Infielders Ernie Clement and Addison Barger, who had spent the majority of their time as the Blue Jays’ primary third basemen over the past two years, will likely shift into more of a utility role. Clement also has extensive experience at second, making him a potential option at the keystone.
Bo Bichette still has a place in Toronto Blue Jays lineup
There is still one significant question mark in relation to Clement’s future role. Infielder Bo Bichette is still a free agent. He had been a key part in the Blue Jays’ resurgent 2025 campaign, posting a .311/.357/.483 batting line over 628 plate appearances, hitting 18 homers and 44 doubles.
Bichette has been clear about his desire to return to Toronto. He reportedly said that he wants to finish his career playing alongside Guerrero with the Blue Jays, with team broadcaster Buck Martinez putting the odds that Bichette returns at 80%. Likewise, the Blue Jays have publicly stated that they want to bring Bichette back for 2026 and beyond.
Bichette is also reportedly open to a move to second base. He had just 30 games of professional experience at second, with his last appearance at the position in 2019, before playing five games at the keystone during the World Series. Bichette had been expected to shift from short at some point in the near future; his performance at second during the World Series may have hastened such a move.
A move to second would make Bichette an ideal fit with the Blue Jays. Andres Gimenez is a better defensive option at short, while Clement and Barger could return to utility roles. Bichette would not only improve the Blue Jays lineup, but he would also help deepen their bench. The Blue Jays may have added a significant piece to their lineup with Okamoto, but they still have plenty of room to bring Bichette back.