Ben Nicholson-Smith
@bnsbaseball.bsky.social
we could talk about baseball..
Important context for Lauer’s case: he had worked his way up to $5.075 million in arbitration before going to Korea
Historically, players who work their way up in arb, exit the arb system then come back get paid above their previous high water mark
Ultimately up to an arb panel
Historically, players who work their way up in arb, exit the arb system then come back get paid above their previous high water mark
Ultimately up to an arb panel
Eric Lauer filed at $5.75 million per source, Blue Jays filed at $4.4 million
They’re expected to go to a hearing
They’re expected to go to a hearing
January 9, 2026 at 2:02 AM
Important context for Lauer’s case: he had worked his way up to $5.075 million in arbitration before going to Korea
Historically, players who work their way up in arb, exit the arb system then come back get paid above their previous high water mark
Ultimately up to an arb panel
Historically, players who work their way up in arb, exit the arb system then come back get paid above their previous high water mark
Ultimately up to an arb panel
Eric Lauer filed at $5.75 million per source, Blue Jays filed at $4.4 million
They’re expected to go to a hearing
They’re expected to go to a hearing
January 9, 2026 at 1:48 AM
Eric Lauer filed at $5.75 million per source, Blue Jays filed at $4.4 million
They’re expected to go to a hearing
They’re expected to go to a hearing
Blue Jays have also avoided arbitration with Daulton Varsho on a one-year, $10.75 million deal per source
Joel Sherman was on this one
Joel Sherman was on this one
January 8, 2026 at 6:40 PM
Blue Jays have also avoided arbitration with Daulton Varsho on a one-year, $10.75 million deal per source
Joel Sherman was on this one
Joel Sherman was on this one
Blue Jays, Ernie Clement avoid arb with a $4.6 million contract for 2026 per source
January 8, 2026 at 6:22 PM
Blue Jays, Ernie Clement avoid arb with a $4.6 million contract for 2026 per source
Blue Jays have avoided arbitration with Tyler Heineman per industry source
He'll earn $1,237,500 in 2026
He'll earn $1,237,500 in 2026
January 8, 2026 at 4:24 PM
Blue Jays have avoided arbitration with Tyler Heineman per industry source
He'll earn $1,237,500 in 2026
He'll earn $1,237,500 in 2026
Deadline for teams & players to exchange arbitration filing numbers is tomorrow
Lots of work goes into this on both sides & we'll see many agreements by Thurs evening. Not earth-shattering, but a necessary step. Many teams are file & trial meaning it's agree now or hearing later
Lots of work goes into this on both sides & we'll see many agreements by Thurs evening. Not earth-shattering, but a necessary step. Many teams are file & trial meaning it's agree now or hearing later
January 7, 2026 at 4:56 PM
Deadline for teams & players to exchange arbitration filing numbers is tomorrow
Lots of work goes into this on both sides & we'll see many agreements by Thurs evening. Not earth-shattering, but a necessary step. Many teams are file & trial meaning it's agree now or hearing later
Lots of work goes into this on both sides & we'll see many agreements by Thurs evening. Not earth-shattering, but a necessary step. Many teams are file & trial meaning it's agree now or hearing later
Door open on Tucker & Bo. Interesting q now: what form does that dialogue take?
Speculatively, would seem less likely that Jays lead charge on either player w/ massive bid soon. Maybe more likely: Jays ask players to frame value. Regardless, may take time www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/...
Speculatively, would seem less likely that Jays lead charge on either player w/ massive bid soon. Maybe more likely: Jays ask players to frame value. Regardless, may take time www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/...
Blue Jays in comfortable position while still exploring possible opportunities
Despite the Blue Jays’ activity, there’s a lot of intrigue remaining this off-season.
www.sportsnet.ca
January 6, 2026 at 10:03 PM
Door open on Tucker & Bo. Interesting q now: what form does that dialogue take?
Speculatively, would seem less likely that Jays lead charge on either player w/ massive bid soon. Maybe more likely: Jays ask players to frame value. Regardless, may take time www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/...
Speculatively, would seem less likely that Jays lead charge on either player w/ massive bid soon. Maybe more likely: Jays ask players to frame value. Regardless, may take time www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/...
Kazuma Okamoto says his nicknames include "big oak" and "big baby"
January 6, 2026 at 6:40 PM
Kazuma Okamoto says his nicknames include "big oak" and "big baby"
Asked about his defensive skillset, Kazuma Okamoto says he's flexible & open to different positions. Ross Atkins says Okamoto could contribute “in several ways, so we’ll continue to have that dialogue with him.”
Jays announced Okamoto as an infielder. He can play 1B, 3B, some OF
Jays announced Okamoto as an infielder. He can play 1B, 3B, some OF
January 6, 2026 at 6:22 PM
Asked about his defensive skillset, Kazuma Okamoto says he's flexible & open to different positions. Ross Atkins says Okamoto could contribute “in several ways, so we’ll continue to have that dialogue with him.”
Jays announced Okamoto as an infielder. He can play 1B, 3B, some OF
Jays announced Okamoto as an infielder. He can play 1B, 3B, some OF
Kazuma Okamoto says discussions are ongoing, but he hopes to play for Japan in the WBC
January 6, 2026 at 6:19 PM
Kazuma Okamoto says discussions are ongoing, but he hopes to play for Japan in the WBC
Re. potential of more moves, Ross Atkins says Jays feel good about team as-is but will "always be open" to making org better & have great ownership support
“The one thing I’ll add is additions… will start to cut away playing time from players that are very good MLB players”
“The one thing I’ll add is additions… will start to cut away playing time from players that are very good MLB players”
January 6, 2026 at 6:18 PM
Re. potential of more moves, Ross Atkins says Jays feel good about team as-is but will "always be open" to making org better & have great ownership support
“The one thing I’ll add is additions… will start to cut away playing time from players that are very good MLB players”
“The one thing I’ll add is additions… will start to cut away playing time from players that are very good MLB players”
Kazuma Okamoto says he put all 30 MLB logos in front of his daughter and she pointed to the Blue Jays.
January 6, 2026 at 6:13 PM
Kazuma Okamoto says he put all 30 MLB logos in front of his daughter and she pointed to the Blue Jays.
Kazuma Okamoto, in English: “I’m very happy to join the Blue Jays. I’ll work hard every day and do my best for the team … go Blue Jays”
January 6, 2026 at 6:07 PM
Kazuma Okamoto, in English: “I’m very happy to join the Blue Jays. I’ll work hard every day and do my best for the team … go Blue Jays”
talked Okamoto & Blue Jays with JD this morning www.sportsnet.ca/590/the-jd-b...
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JD Bunkis breaks down the biggest stories in sports every weekday morning. Airing live on Sportsnet 590 The FAN from 9-11 AM ET.
www.sportsnet.ca
January 5, 2026 at 5:27 PM
talked Okamoto & Blue Jays with JD this morning www.sportsnet.ca/590/the-jd-b...
Don Mattingly joins Phillies as bench coach.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson: “Having known Don for years and having worked closely with him in New York, I know that his knowledge of the game and his character make him a great addition.”
Phillies manager Rob Thomson: “Having known Don for years and having worked closely with him in New York, I know that his knowledge of the game and his character make him a great addition.”
January 5, 2026 at 2:04 PM
Don Mattingly joins Phillies as bench coach.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson: “Having known Don for years and having worked closely with him in New York, I know that his knowledge of the game and his character make him a great addition.”
Phillies manager Rob Thomson: “Having known Don for years and having worked closely with him in New York, I know that his knowledge of the game and his character make him a great addition.”
Blue Jays announce their four-year, $60 million deal with Kazuma Okamoto (they list him as an infielder). Paxton Schultz DFA.
January 4, 2026 at 11:04 PM
Blue Jays announce their four-year, $60 million deal with Kazuma Okamoto (they list him as an infielder). Paxton Schultz DFA.
Some relatively recent contracts in the same area as Kazuma Okamoto's Blue Jays deal:
Tyler O'Neill ($49.5/3)
Avisail Garcia ($53/4)
Jose Abreu ($58.5/3)
Christian Walker ($60/3)
Chris Taylor ($60/4)
Nick Castellanos ($64/4)
Mike Moustakas ($64/4)
Marcell Ozuna ($65/4)
Tyler O'Neill ($49.5/3)
Avisail Garcia ($53/4)
Jose Abreu ($58.5/3)
Christian Walker ($60/3)
Chris Taylor ($60/4)
Nick Castellanos ($64/4)
Mike Moustakas ($64/4)
Marcell Ozuna ($65/4)
January 3, 2026 at 8:36 PM
Some relatively recent contracts in the same area as Kazuma Okamoto's Blue Jays deal:
Tyler O'Neill ($49.5/3)
Avisail Garcia ($53/4)
Jose Abreu ($58.5/3)
Christian Walker ($60/3)
Chris Taylor ($60/4)
Nick Castellanos ($64/4)
Mike Moustakas ($64/4)
Marcell Ozuna ($65/4)
Tyler O'Neill ($49.5/3)
Avisail Garcia ($53/4)
Jose Abreu ($58.5/3)
Christian Walker ($60/3)
Chris Taylor ($60/4)
Nick Castellanos ($64/4)
Mike Moustakas ($64/4)
Marcell Ozuna ($65/4)
Per sources, the Blue Jays’ deal with Kazuma Okamoto is for $60 million over four years with no opt outs.
First on the terms was @jonheyman.bsky.social
First on the terms was @jonheyman.bsky.social
January 3, 2026 at 8:06 PM
Per sources, the Blue Jays’ deal with Kazuma Okamoto is for $60 million over four years with no opt outs.
First on the terms was @jonheyman.bsky.social
First on the terms was @jonheyman.bsky.social
reading & hearing about Kazuma Okamoto, this RH hitting 1B/3B/OF with power, a good idea of the strike zone & great bat to ball skills, my mind goes to a less jacked Yandy Diaz ... maybe that's a bit aggressive as Yandy is really, really good but yeah, this should be a good hitter
January 3, 2026 at 7:23 PM
reading & hearing about Kazuma Okamoto, this RH hitting 1B/3B/OF with power, a good idea of the strike zone & great bat to ball skills, my mind goes to a less jacked Yandy Diaz ... maybe that's a bit aggressive as Yandy is really, really good but yeah, this should be a good hitter
MLB teams believe Okamoto has a higher floor than Munetaka Murakami, who offers tons of upside but has questions about glove and K%. Okamoto’s contact ability appealing & he has power.
Defensively, have heard Okamoto is an above-avg defensive 1B. Can play some third, too, & OF.
Defensively, have heard Okamoto is an above-avg defensive 1B. Can play some third, too, & OF.
January 3, 2026 at 6:53 PM
MLB teams believe Okamoto has a higher floor than Munetaka Murakami, who offers tons of upside but has questions about glove and K%. Okamoto’s contact ability appealing & he has power.
Defensively, have heard Okamoto is an above-avg defensive 1B. Can play some third, too, & OF.
Defensively, have heard Okamoto is an above-avg defensive 1B. Can play some third, too, & OF.
Source: Blue Jays are in agreement with Kazuma Okamoto on a free agent deal
Passan was first on this
Passan was first on this
January 3, 2026 at 6:33 PM
Source: Blue Jays are in agreement with Kazuma Okamoto on a free agent deal
Passan was first on this
Passan was first on this
i would love to sit here & say it *is* a lock that the Blue Jays are 100% getting Kyle Tucker or Bo Bichette
a) that would be a great scoop b) it would make Jays fans really happy… the reality is, it is not a *lock* they add a bat…
i'll leave it there… thanks to the many, many ppl who get it!!!
a) that would be a great scoop b) it would make Jays fans really happy… the reality is, it is not a *lock* they add a bat…
i'll leave it there… thanks to the many, many ppl who get it!!!
January 2, 2026 at 11:47 PM
i would love to sit here & say it *is* a lock that the Blue Jays are 100% getting Kyle Tucker or Bo Bichette
a) that would be a great scoop b) it would make Jays fans really happy… the reality is, it is not a *lock* they add a bat…
i'll leave it there… thanks to the many, many ppl who get it!!!
a) that would be a great scoop b) it would make Jays fans really happy… the reality is, it is not a *lock* they add a bat…
i'll leave it there… thanks to the many, many ppl who get it!!!
To be clear: Jays are in contact with reps for Bo Bichette, Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman & others. Their best case scenario includes adding a bat & that's absolutely in play. But in free agency, things don't always go the way you hope, as Jays know from experience. So: not a lock 😅
A few ppl asked about Kazuma Okamoto.
Teams expect higher floor than Murakami. Low K% with power. PIT in but said to be outside looking in now. Jays have big Pac Rim presence & learn about all FA from Japan & Korea, incl. Okamoto. TOR interest level unclear to me tho. Not a lock Jays add a bat.
Teams expect higher floor than Murakami. Low K% with power. PIT in but said to be outside looking in now. Jays have big Pac Rim presence & learn about all FA from Japan & Korea, incl. Okamoto. TOR interest level unclear to me tho. Not a lock Jays add a bat.
January 2, 2026 at 10:23 PM
To be clear: Jays are in contact with reps for Bo Bichette, Kyle Tucker, Alex Bregman & others. Their best case scenario includes adding a bat & that's absolutely in play. But in free agency, things don't always go the way you hope, as Jays know from experience. So: not a lock 😅
A few ppl asked about Kazuma Okamoto.
Teams expect higher floor than Murakami. Low K% with power. PIT in but said to be outside looking in now. Jays have big Pac Rim presence & learn about all FA from Japan & Korea, incl. Okamoto. TOR interest level unclear to me tho. Not a lock Jays add a bat.
Teams expect higher floor than Murakami. Low K% with power. PIT in but said to be outside looking in now. Jays have big Pac Rim presence & learn about all FA from Japan & Korea, incl. Okamoto. TOR interest level unclear to me tho. Not a lock Jays add a bat.
January 2, 2026 at 10:13 PM
A few ppl asked about Kazuma Okamoto.
Teams expect higher floor than Murakami. Low K% with power. PIT in but said to be outside looking in now. Jays have big Pac Rim presence & learn about all FA from Japan & Korea, incl. Okamoto. TOR interest level unclear to me tho. Not a lock Jays add a bat.
Teams expect higher floor than Murakami. Low K% with power. PIT in but said to be outside looking in now. Jays have big Pac Rim presence & learn about all FA from Japan & Korea, incl. Okamoto. TOR interest level unclear to me tho. Not a lock Jays add a bat.
Reposted by Ben Nicholson-Smith
Ballot #79 from a first-time voter. Congratulations Ben and thanks for sharing it!
A privilege to vote for the Hall of Fame. Here’s my ballot.
(And btw! Not trying to persuade anyone they should agree with me. This is just where I landed after lots of thought & discussion)
@notmrtibbs.com
(And btw! Not trying to persuade anyone they should agree with me. This is just where I landed after lots of thought & discussion)
@notmrtibbs.com
December 29, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Ballot #79 from a first-time voter. Congratulations Ben and thanks for sharing it!