Kazuma Okamoto is set to debut for the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday in a game against the Philadelphia Phillies. This will mark his first competitive appearance with the team. Okamoto, along with several of his teammates, is preparing for the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC) in March.
Okamoto’s Debut Details
The Blue Jays manager, John Schneider, has confirmed that Okamoto will be in the lineup for the team’s exhibition opener at TD Ballpark in Dunedin, Florida. Schneider stated, “I’d like for him to play on Saturday,” as the team looks to get him acclimated ahead of the WBC.
Exhibition Game Schedule
- Matchup: Toronto Blue Jays vs. Philadelphia Phillies
- Date: Saturday, February 20, 2026
- Location: TD Ballpark, Dunedin, Florida
Background on Kazuma Okamoto
Okamoto signed a four-year contract worth US$60 million with the Blue Jays on January 4, 2026. Over his 11-year career with the Yomiuri Giants in Japan, he recorded a .277 batting average, 248 home runs, and 717 runs batted in (RBIs). Notably, he led the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league in home runs three times.
WBC Preparations
As the WBC draws closer, Schneider is focused on ensuring that all players participate in enough exhibition games before leaving for international duties. He ideally wants Okamoto and others to play at least four to five games prior to the tournament. Okamoto will join the Japanese national team towards the end of February.
Toronto’s Other WBC Participants
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – Dominican Republic
- Alejandro Kirk – Mexico
- Andres Gimenez – Venezuela
- Leo Jimenez – Panama
- Ernie Clement – United States
Schneider expressed mixed feelings about having multiple key players participating in the WBC. He acknowledges the tournament’s significance but admits it makes him somewhat anxious as a manager. Okamoto will also likely start in additional games following his debut on Saturday, aiming to get the necessary playtime before the WBC begins.
In summary, Kazuma Okamoto’s initial appearance with the Toronto Blue Jays signals an exciting season ahead as he prepares not only for his Major League career but also to represent Japan on the international stage.
