After falling short in the 2025 World Series, Toronto Blue Jays wasted no time reshaping their roster. A headline-grabbing seven-year, $210 million deal for ace Dylan Cease signaled the organization’s aggressive push to fortify its pitching staff. But according to general manager Ross Atkins, the club’s biggest surprises in 2026 may come from two newly acquired position players.
While pitching was the primary focus, Atkins made it clear that infield addition Kazuma Okamoto and outfielder Jesus Sanchez could play pivotal roles in elevating an already dangerous lineup.
“It was our goal, at the start of the season, to build upon our pitching, and that's where we were very aggressive,” said Atkins. “You can see that in the outcome of our offseason, and we're very pleased with the results. In addition to Okamoto and Sanchez, adding that level of pitching and then two talented position players to an already strong group, we're excited about it.”
Kazuma Okamoto: A power bat arrives from Japan
At 29, Kazuma Okamoto enters Major League Baseball with an established résumé from Nippon Professional Baseball. One of Japan’s premier hitters since 2015, Okamoto now brings his power and consistency to Toronto Blue Jays on a four-year, $60 million contract.
In his final NPB season, Okamoto delivered a stellar .322 batting average and .411 on-base percentage. Across 77 games, he tallied 87 hits, 15 home runs, and 51 RBIs — numbers that underscore his offensive impact.
The Blue Jays believe his transition to MLB could provide an immediate boost to the heart of their lineup, adding balance and depth to a team that already boasts formidable run production.
Jesus Sanchez: Versatility and upside in the outfield
Jesus Sanchez, 28, arrives in Toronto via trade after serving as a steady presence for the Miami Marlins and Houston Astros. Known for his defensive reliability and offensive flashes, Sanchez adds versatility to the Blue Jays’ outfield rotation.
Last season, he posted a .237 batting average and .304 OBP, compiling 107 hits, 14 home runs, 48 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases. His blend of speed and power provides manager John Schneider with flexibility in both lineup construction and late-game scenarios.
A balanced blueprint for success
While the spotlight has been on Toronto Blue Jays’ revamped pitching staff, Ross Atkins’ comments highlight a broader strategy: strengthen every layer of the roster.
With Okamoto’s proven bat and Sanchez’s two-way contributions, the Blue Jays appear positioned to build on their recent success and make another deep postseason run in 2026.