Kazuma Okamoto sets home run record for Japanese rookies in MLB
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 25, 2026, 2:22 AM
Last updated Jul 25, 2026
Kazuma Okamoto, third baseman for the Toronto Blue Jays, hit his 23rd home run against the Boston Red Sox on July 25, breaking the MLB record for home runs by a Japanese rookie previously held by Shohei Ohtani. Okamoto achieved this milestone with a 408-foot homer off reliever Greg Weissert. While Okamoto's overall performance has not made him an All-Star, his hitting stands out in a difficult season for the Blue Jays. Munetaka Murakami, another Japanese rookie, may still challenge Okamoto's record as he has 20 home runs after returning from injury.
- •Okamoto's 23 home runs surpass Ohtani's previous record of 22.
- •The milestone hit occurred in a game against the Red Sox.
- •Okamoto has a.227 batting average this season.
- •Murakami, currently at 20 home runs, may seek to reclaim the record.
- 6:51 PMYahoo Sports — Blue Jays' Kazuma Okamoto breaks Shohei Ohtani's MLB record
- 2:22 AMYahoo Sports — Blue Jays 3B Kazuma Okamoto breaks Shohei Ohtani's MLB record for home runs by Japanese rookie
"It's been a strong first season in Toronto for the slugger from Japan.
"Munetaka Murakami could soon reach that milestone as well.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 25, 2026, 6:51 PMBlue Jays' Kazuma Okamoto breaks Shohei Ohtani's MLB record
It's been a strong first season in Toronto for the slugger from Japan.
- Yahoo SportsJul 25, 2026, 2:22 AMBlue Jays 3B Kazuma Okamoto breaks Shohei Ohtani's MLB record for home runs by Japanese rookie
Munetaka Murakami could soon reach that milestone as well.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
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