Kazuma Okamoto has continued to impress during his rookie season with the Toronto Blue Jays. After spending over a decade in the Nippon Professional Baseball league, Okamoto transitioned to the big leagues this past offseason, signing a four-year, $60 million deal with Toronto. He has far exceeded that value so far.
After a slow start, Okamoto has heated up since May. Across 78 games, the 29-year-old Japanese star has posted a .238 batting average, .322 on-base percentage, .779 OPS, 17 home runs and 49 RBIs. He has added much-needed depth to the lineup on a nightly basis and is one of the most underrated additions of the entire offseason.
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Okamoto's first season may now receive national recognition. Phase 1 of All-Star Game voting ended ahead of Thursday's game against the Texas Rangers, and Okamoto is moving on.
The Blue Jays shared the news alongside first basemanVladimir Guerrero Jr., who also advanced. "The corners leading the charge 💥😤 Vladdy and Kaz are Finalists!" the caption read on X.
Not only did Okamoto advance, but it was never really a question. He earned 2,125,888 votes, more than any other third baseman in the American League.
However, it will be a tough race to earn the starting spot, as Okamoto will now go head-to-head with Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays, who is also in the midst of an excellent season.
Phase 2 kicks off at 12:00 PM EST on Monday, June 29, and fans will have until 12:00 PM EST on Thursday, July 2 to cast their votes for Okamoto. Regardless of whether Okamoto is named a starter, it is hard to overlook how productive he has been for the Blue Jays.
