Overview
- Okamoto is off to an early-season slump with a .200 average and 24 strikeouts in 65 at-bats, highlighting a tough first look at Major League pitching.
- New swing data shows a 36.5% whiff rate that ranks in the 7th percentile, pointing to timing and pitch-adjustment challenges he did not often face in Japan.
- Through team interpreter Yusuke Oshima, he told fans he expects the lull to pass and said he aims to contribute more at the plate.
- Defensively he is playing deeper at third base and working through language and positioning with shortstop Andrés Giménez, who said, “We’re working on it.”
- The third baseman is in year one of a four-year, $60 million deal after six NPB All-Star nods, joining a roster reshaped by Bo Bichette’s exit and pitching adds Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce and Tyler Rogers.