Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays recently welcomed Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto to their Spring Training camp after signing a $60 million deal with the team in January. The duo has developed a strong bond over the past few weeks, but Guerrero Jr. sent a clear message during a Spring Training game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday.
In a broadcast, Guerrero Jr. made a bold statement about his new teammate, saying, “Now we’re teammates, but after Saturday, we’re enemies.” This remark was in reference to the upcoming World Baseball Classic, where Guerrero Jr. will lead the Dominican Republic team while Okamoto will represent Team Japan.
Okamoto, a six-time NPB All-Star with the Yomiuri Giants, played a pivotal role in Team Japan’s victory over Team USA in the gold medal game of the 2023 World Baseball Classic. His performance included scoring two runs, including a solo home run, in a 3-2 triumph that secured the championship for Japan.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider commended Okamoto’s positive attitude and work ethic. The Japanese slugger spent 11 seasons with the Yomiuri Giants in the NPB, boasting impressive stats of a .277 batting average, 248 home runs, 717 RBIs, and a .521 slugging percentage throughout his NPB career. Okamoto is expected to fill the gap left by Bo Bichette, who departed for the New York Mets in the previous offseason.
During Spring Training games, Okamoto showcased his power by hitting a two-run home run in a match against the New York Mets. Despite his limited time with the team due to WBC commitments, Schneider praised Okamoto for his willingness to learn and adapt to the Blue Jays’ system.
As Okamoto prepares to represent defending champions Team Japan in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, the Blue Jays are confident in his abilities to excel on the field. The Japanese slugger will kick off the tournament with a game against Chinese Taipei at the Tokyo Dome next week.
Overall, the addition of Kazuma Okamoto to the Toronto Blue Jays roster has brought excitement and anticipation for the upcoming season. With Guerrero Jr. leading the charge for the Dominican Republic and Okamoto showcasing his skills for Team Japan, baseball fans can look forward to an intense and competitive World Baseball Classic.
