Publication Date: January 7, 2026, 05:20h.

Updated on: January 7, 2026, 05:20h.

• Blue Jays unveil their newest free agent acquisition, Kazuma Okamoto
• Ownership reports $100 million in revenue during World Series postseason
• Active offseason with the addition of four players, totaling $337 million in payroll

The rationale behind the Toronto Blue Jays’ significant free agent investments this offseason is becoming clearer. Recent reports indicate that Rogers Communications Inc., the team’s parent company, reaped an additional $100 million in revenue amid the team’s World Series postseason last fall.

To date, the Blue Jays have committed $337 million to acquire four players. As reported by The Financial Post, during an interview with executive chair Edward Rogers, the company aims to consolidate its focus on sports by merging its sports and entertainment assets, enabling third-party investors to enhance its operations alongside its cable and wireless phone business.

New Player Announcement

Rogers has maintained full ownership of the Blue Jays since acquiring the team in 2000, a time when its future in Toronto was uncertain. In addition to the Blue Jays, the communications giant owns Rogers Centre and the Sportsnet media network. Moreover, Rogers recently increased its stake in Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) to 75%, purchasing the interest of competitor Bell in a transaction that concluded in July. MLSE manages teams such as the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, MLS’ Toronto FC, CFL’s Argonauts, and the Scotiabank Arena.

Recently, Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins unveiled the team’s latest addition, Kazuma Okamoto, a celebrated slugger from Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball League. During his tenure with the Yomiuri Giants, he amassed 248 home runs, leading the league. The Blue Jays have also secured pitchers Dylan Cease (7 years for $210 million), Cody Ponce (3 years for $30 million), and Tyler Rogers (3 years for $37 million). Additionally, pitcher Shane Bieber has activated his $16 million player option for 2026.

Impact of Sports Betting

“We estimate that the MLB postseason run generated over $100 million in high-margin revenue,” noted Adam Shine, a telecom analyst at National Bank, in his December 21 report to clients, referenced by The Financial Post.

Those 248 home runs in Japan edged out Munetaka Murakami, who signed with the Chicago White Sox in December. Okamoto, a six-time NPB all-star, plays third base but is also capable of manning first base and outfield. Despite missing half the previous season due to an elbow injury, he remains a formidable power hitter, boasting home run tallies between 27 to 41 during his years with the Giants. His batting averages over the last three seasons with the Giants were impressive at .278, .280, and .327, respectively.

According to FanGraphs, Okamoto’s wRC+ (Weighted Runs Created Plus, a premier metric for evaluating hitters, factoring in various contextual elements) is expected to be 110 for 2026, categorizing him as a solid contributor (FanGraphs also anticipates 19 HRs and 59 RBIs).

Yankees as Betting Favorites

At DraftKings, the New York Yankees are currently the favorites to win the American League East at +205, followed closely by the Blue Jays at +225, with the Boston Red Sox at +280, the Baltimore Orioles at +450, and the Tampa Bay Rays at +2500. At FanDuel, the Yankees stand at +170, with the Jays at +250, the Red Sox at +310, the Orioles at +450, and the Rays at +2200.

As reported by Casino.org last week, DraftKings labeled the Blue Jays as the most bet team in Ontario by handle for 2025, surpassing the Oklahoma City Thunder, Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Kansas City Chiefs, Golden State Warriors, Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, and the Philadelphia Eagles.