blogTO
When Bo Bichette chose to sign with the New York Mets in free agency, the biggest question for the Toronto Blue Jays was who would step up to replace his offensive contribution. We are only one week into the 2026 season, and we might already have an early verdict (with an asterisk): Kazuma Okamoto. Kazuma Okamoto is now 3-for-9 vs 95 mph+ so far this season. There's been some swing & miss, but he's handling himself just fine out of the gate. #BlueJays pic.twitter.com/ZyLwbguLuZ — Thomas Hall (@Hall_Thomas_) April 1, 2026 There was some doubt about how Okamoto would adapt from Japan’s professional league to MLB pitching and about his ability to play third base, but the transition has been seamless. In his first six games, the 29-year-old has posted an OPS of .912 and is tied for the team lead in total bases (13). Not only is Okamoto hitting well, but he has also been spectacular defensively. He has yet to commit an error at third base, a position he split time at with first base last season with the Yomiuri Giants, and he leads all Blue Jays players in dWAR. Though it has been a better-than-expected start for Okamoto, the same cannot be said for Bichette. The former Blue Jays shortstop has just three hits in 27 plate appearances for the Mets this season, batting .111 with eight strikeouts. Statistically, it is his worst start through six games in his eight-year MLB career; even worse than his sub-par 2024 , when he opened hitting .241. Bo Bichette was asked if the boos at Citi Field caught him off-guard at all: "If anything, I thought it took too long. I get it. I thought my at-bats were terrible, too." pic.twitter.com/zmZRZtMreR — SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) March 29, 2026 The 28-year-old spoke about his offensive struggles following the Mets’ opening series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, agreeing with the criticism and acknowledging that his at-bats have been "terrible." Could it be the new environment or a new position? Maybe. But the struggles extend beyond the plate. Bichette ranks last on the Mets in WAR (wins above replacement) at -0.6 and has recorded outs on just 60 per cent of the 10 balls hit his way at third base so far. We all know the MLB season is a grind, and six games is a minuscule sample size when there's 162. We likely won’t have a clear answer on whether the Blue Jays are better off with Okamoto until mid-June or even the All-Star break. But as things currently stand, the "Big Oak" has made an excellent first impression, showcasing his power and defensive ability while quickly becoming a fan favourite.
Go to News Site