Published 3 days ago • loading... • Updated 3 days ago

Jays and Astros hope to match Dodgers' Japan success

On Tuesday, the Blue Jays unveiled infielder Kazuma Okamoto after signing him to a four-year, $60 million contract, with GM Ross Atkins saying `We definitely got better today`.
With the Dodgers as a template, Astros owner Jim Crane said `Seeing Ohtani's heroics for the Dodgers made it an easy decision`, highlighting increased interest in Japanese talent following their success.
Hours earlier, the Houston Astros introduced 27-year-old Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai on a three-year deal after a three-time All-Star career with the Saitama Seibu Lions, and general manager Ross Atkins said `We definitely got better today`.
Jim Crane, Houston Astros owner, said he visited Japan last year and boosted Pacific Rim scouting in Tokyo, Taiwan and South Korea, planning to accelerate Asian talent evaluations.
Both new signees signaled championship ambitions when Kazuma Okamoto, infielder, vowed to bring a World Series to the Blue Jays, while Crane said `Seeing Ohtani's heroics for the Dodgers made it an easy decision. Dodgers kind of led the way there`.

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