(New York) Outfielder Max Kepler was suspended 80 games on Friday after testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance in violation of Major League Baseball’s anti-doping program.

Kepler tested positive for epirenbolone, a substance that led to the suspension of boxer Manuel Charr in 2018.

A veteran of 11 seasons of major league baseball, Kepler will turn 33 next month.

He spent last year with the Philadelphia Phillies after 10 seasons with the Minnesota Twins.

Kepler hit .216 in 127 games last year with 18 home runs and 52 RBIs.

He has 179 home runs and 560 RBIs in the big leagues, with a .235 batting average.

His best season was 2019: he hit 36 ​​home runs and 90 RBIs while batting .252.

(Toronto) Japanese hitter Kazuma Okamoto had help from his family to choose the team that best suited him in the MLB.

“I put the logos of the 30 teams in front of my daughter and asked which one she liked best,” he said Tuesday through his interpreter Gino Gordon. She pointed to the Blue Jays. That stayed in my mind. »

The Blue Jays officially introduced the 29-year-old infielder at an early afternoon press conference after signing him to a four-year, $60 million contract over the weekend.

He impressed in 11 years in Japan, leading NPB in long balls three times.

“We’ve definitely become a better club,” Jays general manager Ross Atkins said.

Okamoto brings power; In 2025, Toronto was middle of the pack in home runs, but the team led the majors in batting average (.265) and on-base percentage (.333).

He is expected to play third base, but could also play first base and left field.

Okamoto said he enjoys this versatile role that allows him to contribute in a variety of ways.

“I consider myself a solid player with excellent batting skills,” he said. In defense I like to play in several places. »

With several big-name free agents available — led by shortstop Bo Bichette, the Jays’ star since 2021 — Atkins was asked about other potential signings.

It remained vacant.

“We will always be open to improving our organization and our team if possible,” he said to a packed press room, including several Japanese journalists.

A six-time All-Star for the Yomiuri Giants, Okamoto had a .327 batting average last season.

He collected 15 home runs and 49 RBIs in 69 games.

A 6-foot, 200-pound athlete, he missed more than half the season with an elbow injury.

Surrounded by Atkins and his agent Scott Boras, Okamoto began his press conference with a brief statement in English.

“I’m very happy to be joining the Blue Jays,” he said. I will work hard every day and do my best for the team. »

Okamoto has hit 25 or more home runs in seven consecutive seasons from 2018 to 2024.

He contributed to Japan’s victory in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, hitting a solo home run and scoring two runs in the eventual 3–2 victory over the United States.

“He’s had an incredible career so far,” Atkins said. His impact on both sides of the field, his offensive potential is exceptional. This suits us perfectly. »

Under MLB’s transfer agreement with NPB, the Blue Jays must pay the Giants a transfer fee of $10.875 million.

This is the latest acquisition by the Blue Jays, who in recent weeks have drafted pitchers Dylan Cease (seven years, $210 million), Cody Ponce (three years, $30 million) and Tyler Rogers (three years, $37 million).

Coveted free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker visited the Jays’ spring training facility in December.

The Blue Jays will begin the season on March 27 against the A’s at Rogers Centre.

(Toronto) The Toronto Blue Jays and Japanese third baseman Kazuma Okamoto, a free agent, have agreed to terms on a four-year contract worth $60 million, two sources familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Saturday.

These sources requested anonymity because the agreement has not yet been made public.

Okamoto will receive a 5 million signing bonus, a 7 million salary this year and 16 million for each of the following three seasons.

A six-time All-Star selection, Okamoto has a .277 batting average with 248 home runs and 717 RBIs in 11 seasons in the Japanese major leagues.

He led the Central League in home runs in 2020, 2021, and 2023. He hit a home run off Kyle Freeland of the Colorado Rockies, contributing to Japan’s 3–2 victory over the United States in the final of the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

According to the transfer agreement between Major League Baseball and the Japanese Professional Baseball League, a deal must be finalized by 5 p.m. Sunday.

Okamoto, 29, posted a .327 batting average with 15 home runs and 51 RBIs in 77 games last season for the Yomiuri Giants.

The Japanese, who can also play first base, injured his left elbow on May 6 while trying to throw to first base in a collision with Takumu Nakano of the Hanshin Tigers. This injury kept him sidelined until August 16th.

With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first base, Okamoto would likely play primarily third base. Addison Barger started 67 times last season, Ernie Clement 66 times, Will Wagner 22 times, Isiah Kiner-Falefa six times and Buddy Kennedy once.

The Blue Jays, who have not confirmed the signing, will have to pay a transfer fee of 10.875 million to the Japanese team once the deal is finalized.