Kazuma Okamoto makes Blue Jays rookie history with new RBI record

The Toronto Blue Jays are fighting for their postseason lives down the stretch of the 2026 MLB season, and in their Sunday matchup against the Baltimore Orioles, entering just 1.0 game back of the Cleveland Guardians, a few key homers have helped the team.

Not only did Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit his first home run at the Rogers Centre this season, which is hard to believe after 68 games in his home ballpark this season, but Kazuma Okamoto made some Blue Jays history.

As the Blue Jays announced following his home run, Okamoto has reached the most RBIs a rookie has ever had by the Blue Jays in franchise history.

Kazuma Okamoto makes Blue Jays history with most RBIs by rookie in franchise history

"HISTORY FOR BIG OAK #BlueJays50," the Blue Jays shared on Twitter/X. "Kazuma Okamoto: Toronto Blue Jays rookie RBI record, passes Eric Hinske."

In the fifth inning, Okamoto hit a solo homer right after Guerroro hit his streak-ending homer. Okamoto's homer made it 4-1 and was his 32nd homer of the season.

That solo shot was also the 85th RBI of his rookie campaign for the Blue Jays, which is the most a rookie has ever had for the Blue Jays in the history of their franchise.

It's quite an impressive record for the Blue Jays rookie, as Okamoto's first season in the big leagues has gotten off to a roaring start.

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If it weren't for the fact that the Blue Jays as a whole haven't played well this season, then Okamoto's strong rookie season might've received more national praise and attention.

Still, Okamoto's record-breaking 85th RBI of the season should be celebrated by Blue Jays fans. This record now belongs to Okamoto, and he has a chance to add to it.

With 12 more games to go after Sunday's matchup against the Orioles, there's a good chance that Okamoto tacks on to this record and winds up recording well over 85 RBIs during his rookie season.

But, if nothing else, Okamoto has set the Blue Jays' record for most RBIs in a season by a rookie with 85. He will likely add a few more, which could lead to quite the longstanding record.

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