Reds trade outlook shifts after Blue Jays make bold move for Kazuma Okamoto

For the past few days, the eyes of the baseball world have been focused on Japanese sensation Kazuma Okamoto; whose negotiating window was set to close on Sunday. The Toronto Blue Jays, who were obviously tired of waiting, reportedly struck a deal with Okamoto on Saturday afternoon.

Though the Cincinnati Reds were not reported to be among the suitors for Okamoto, they stand to benefit from his signing. The addition of Okamoto only increases the chances that the Blue Jays will look to trade one of their bats this offseason, and given the success Toronto enjoyed last season, Cincinnati should be ready to pounce.

Okamoto is a third baseman by trade, but many scouts and experts believe he'll eventually move to first base. The Blue Jays roster is stacked with players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Addison Barger, Ernie Clement, and Andrés Giménez scattered across the infield dirt, not to mention George Springer, Davis Schneider, Daulton Varsho, and Nathan Lukes on the outfield grass.

Blue Jays deal for Kazuma Okamoto opens the door for the Reds to make a trade

None of the above mentioned players are likely to be traded this offseason — though it shouldn't stop the Reds from inquiring about the likes of Barger, Schneider, and Lukes. All three are pre-arbitration eligible and posted 100 OPS+ or higher last season. Any of those players would likely cost the Reds a ton in prospect capital, however, so those acquisitions seem unlikely.

Jays' slugger Anthony Santander could be a target for the Reds, but Toronto would have to chip in a ton of cash in order to move the former All-Star after he put up such horrible numbers in 2025. The former Baltimore Orioles outfielder signed a five-year, $92 million deal with the Jays last offseason, but only hit .175/.271/.294 and was slowed by a shoulder injury.

One player the Reds should target, however, is outfielder Joey Loperfido. Even before the Okamoto deal, Loperfido would've been deemed expendable. But now, the Reds should have no problem working out a deal for the 26-year-old. Loperfido spent most of last season in the minor leagues, but posted a .333/.379/.500 slash line in 41 big-league games. Across his five minor league seasons, Loperfido has hit .277/.369/.474 and has 59 home runs.

The Reds are still looking to upgrade the roster, but after their failed pursuit of Kyle Schwarber, have avoided free agency. Instead, the Reds have turned their attention to the trade market, and after signing Okamoto, the Blue Jays present as good a chance as any to make a meaningful addition to the roster.