Year after year, more Japanese players make their way from the NPB to the majors, and the 2026 season won’t be any different. Kazuma Okamoto is a primary name to watch this year. He is expected to open the 2026 MLB season as the starting third baseman for the Toronto Blue Jays, a team that finished just a few outs away from winning the World Series in 2025.
As is often the case with prospects coming from overseas, there are several question marks surrounding Okamoto. The biggest doubt is whether he can adjust to life stateside and adapt to big-league pitching.
However, he has a proven track record in one of the world’s best leagues. Okamoto’s potential impact in Toronto and his value as a fantasy target warrant close attention.
Analyzing Kazuma Okamoto’s Fantasy Value for the 2026 Season
To assess what Okamoto can bring to the table, we need to look at what he’s done in the NPB throughout his career. Okamoto’s calling card has been his power; from 2018 to 2024, he consistently hit between 27 and 41 homers per season.
He carries some question marks due to a left elbow injury that limited him to only 69 games in 2025, but he still hit 15 homers in that span while delivering a .327/.416/.598 slash line.
He’s not expected to replicate those numbers against big-league pitching, but he should be able to adjust and perform. He’s drawn comparisons to Seiya Suzuki, and with similar numbers to those of the Chicago Cubs outfielder before his move to the majors, Okamoto could earn a full-time role even if there’s added pressure on his bat.
He’s played mostly at third base throughout his career, but if he struggles to adjust defensively, a move to first base is always an option.
Even with a decrease compared to his NPB numbers, Okamoto could hit around .260 or .270 while hovering around 20 to 25 homers with strong run-production numbers. The fact that third base is depleted in terms of talent suggests he could have every opportunity to earn a full-time role in both real life and fantasy, as he also fills a positional need in Toronto.
His ability to hit will ultimately determine his fantasy upside, but based on his track record, he should be able to adjust.
Targeting Okamoto with a pick around the 15th round in 12-team leagues would be a smart move, as his ADP hovers around the 180-190 range.
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