The Toronto Blue Jays aren’t sitting still this offseason. Fresh off a World Series run, the club has made its intentions clear: they’re aiming to stay in contention and build a roster that can win now.
That’s already reflected in two significant pitching additions-Dylan Cease on a seven-year, $210 million deal and Cody Ponce on a three-year, $30 million contract. But while the rotation is getting a facelift, the infield picture remains a bit murky, especially with Bo Bichette still unsigned.
Bichette, a two-time All-Star and one of the most productive shortstops in the game, opted for free agency after declining a $22.05 million qualifying offer. His departure has left a major question mark at shortstop-and a potential void in the heart of Toronto’s lineup.
But the Blue Jays aren’t just waiting around. They’re exploring multiple avenues to reshape their infield, and one of the most intriguing options on the table is Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami.
Murakami, who was posted by the Yakult Swallows earlier this offseason, is one of the most coveted international free agents on the market. His posting window closes at 5 p.m.
ET on December 22, and several MLB teams are jockeying for position to land the 25-year-old power bat. According to MLB insider J.P.
Morosi, the Blue Jays are firmly in that mix, alongside the Red Sox, Mariners, Tigers, Phillies, Mets, and Pirates.
This isn’t just about Murakami’s talent-though there’s plenty of that. Since debuting in 2018, he’s launched 265 home runs in 1,003 games, earned four NPB All-Star selections, and represented Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
He brings a rare blend of power and plate discipline, and he’s capable of playing both third and first base. In short, he’s the kind of bat that can anchor a lineup and change the complexion of an infield.
But what makes Murakami’s situation even more fascinating is how it ties into the rest of the free agent market-especially for infielders like Bichette. As Morosi pointed out, teams may be waiting for Murakami’s situation to resolve before making moves on other top-tier infielders.
It’s a domino effect. Once Murakami signs, we could see a flurry of activity around players like Bichette and Alex Bregman.
Toronto, meanwhile, is keeping its options open. While a reunion with Bichette remains on the table, Morosi noted that the Blue Jays are also in the mix for Kyle Tucker, one of the premier free agents this offseason. If Toronto lands Tucker, that could all but close the door on Bichette’s return.
Why? Because adding Tucker would likely shift Toronto’s roster construction.
Tucker would slot into right field, and that could trigger a chain reaction: Addison Barger moves to the infield, Andrés Giménez and Ernie Clement round out the middle, and suddenly there’s no clear path-or payroll space-for Bichette. In that scenario, Bichette could find himself heading elsewhere, with Atlanta and Boston both emerging as potential landing spots.
The Braves could plug him in at shortstop, while the Red Sox might use him at second or third.
It’s a high-stakes game of roster Tetris, and Toronto is right in the thick of it. They’re balancing multiple pursuits-Murakami, Tucker, and possibly Bichette-while trying to keep their championship window open. That’s not an easy needle to thread, but the Blue Jays are clearly willing to be aggressive.
As for Bichette, his résumé speaks for itself. In 2025, he hit .311/.354/.483 over 139 games, racking up 63 extra-base hits and a 129 OPS+.
He’s led the American League in hits twice and has been a steady presence at shortstop for seven seasons in Toronto. Losing him would be a significant shift-not just on the field, but in the clubhouse as well.
But in this offseason, big moves are on the table. Whether it’s Murakami’s arrival, Tucker’s potential signing, or a surprise reunion with Bichette, the Blue Jays are positioning themselves for another deep October run. The next 10 days, leading up to Murakami’s signing deadline, could shape the future of their infield-and perhaps the trajectory of the entire 2026 season.