3 thoughts for NY Mets fans after seeing the Blue Jays sign Kazuma Okamoto

Kazuma Okamoto always made sense for the New York Mets. What makes sense often isn’t what is. There have been multiple sensible additions for the Mets to make this offseason. They’ve passed on many, Okamoto being the latest.

He’ll, instead, join the Toronto Blue Jays. What world are we living in? They aren't supposed to win free agent sweepstakes.

Fans already accepted Okamoto was never coming to Queens. Now that it’s becoming official, what thoughts can Mets fans chew on in the aftermath?

What the Kazuma Okamoto signing could mean for the Mets

1) The Mets and Blue Jays line up for a couple of trade scenarios

Looking at the deep Blue Jays roster, we can find multiple examples of players the Mets could use on their roster. The outfield, especially if they were to land Kyle Tucker, has some disposable pieces. From a regular such as Daulton Varsho to a defensive-minded player like Myles Straw, there are many possibilities.

2) There might not be room for Bo Bichette on the Blue Jays roster which is a really good thing

The Blue Jays could conceivably fit Bo Bichette in with some additional maneuvering from within or a trade. But right now, with Okamoto as their third baseman, Ernie Clement at second base, and Andres Gimenez at shortstop, they’re actually pretty loaded. Bichette signing with a team such as the New York Yankees helps eliminate contenders for free agents the Mets actually could go after.

3) The Mets are falling behind this offseason

The Los Angeles Dodgers are the main competition in the National League. The two-time defending champions haven’t done much this offseason other than steal Edwin Diaz from the Mets. They’re certainly a match for any of the top remaining free agents. We’d be foolish to think they won’t sign one of Bichette or Tucker or pull off a blockbuster trade. The Blue Jays have clearly stepped up their game after several offseasons where it felt like they were finishing second for nearly every free agent. The Mets haven't been completely left behind because of how slow the MLB offseason has gone. However, with teams like the PIttsburgh Pirates behaving more aggressively than usual, it's important to not assume the rest of the basement dwellers will sit by idle.

Okamoto was hardly one of the most significant free agents this offseason and yet the results of this deal have some chain reaction effects.