Overview
- Okamoto hit his 25th home run in the Blue Jays’ series opener against the Rays to set the franchise record for most home runs by a rookie.
- Major League Baseball publicly noted the milestone on social media, amplifying the record-setting moment for Toronto and Okamoto.
- The 30-year-old is still classified as an MLB rookie under service-time rules despite professional seasons in Japan since 2014.
- Toronto signed Okamoto to a four-year, $60 million deal after his success in Japan, and this season he is leading the team with a reported .228 average, 25 home runs, and 72 RBIs.
- Okamoto’s power has filled a lineup need and could affect Toronto’s playoff chances by providing middle-of-the-order run production to help the club in its wild-card pursuit.