The Toronto Blue Jays aren’t wasting any time this offseason-and after a deep postseason run that nearly ended in a World Series title, they’ve got every reason to go big. With a roster on the cusp of something special, Toronto has already made one major splash, locking in right-hander Dylan Cease on a massive $210 million deal.
That’s a statement signing. But they’re not done yet.
Two of the biggest names on the free-agent market-Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette-have been linked to the Blue Jays, and naturally, fans are dreaming big. But according to MLB insider Jon Morosi, that dream of landing both may not be in the cards. In fact, it’s shaping up to be an either-or situation.
“I actually look at it as an either-or with Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette,” Morosi said. “Addison Barger is an everyday player. So if you sign Tucker, Barger to third, Clement to second, Gimenez is your shortstop, and there’s not any room for Bo at that point.”
That’s the domino effect Toronto’s front office is staring down. Sign Tucker, and the infield puzzle starts to solve itself: Addison Barger becomes your everyday third baseman, Ernie Clement slides in at second, and Andres Gimenez-already one of the most reliable gloves in the game-anchors shortstop. That alignment doesn’t leave a natural fit for Bichette, who’s used to being the guy at short.
Flip it the other way-if Bichette returns to Toronto-then Barger likely shifts to the outfield. And in that scenario, there’s no clear lane for Tucker, a Gold Glove-caliber right fielder with a bat that plays anywhere in the lineup. In short: it’s a roster construction issue, not a lack of ambition.
Make no mistake, both Tucker and Bichette are elite talents. Tucker brings left-handed power, plate discipline, and postseason experience-exactly the kind of presence the Jays could use in the middle of their order.
Bichette, meanwhile, has been the face of the franchise for years. He’s a pure hitter with gap-to-gap power and a knack for the big moment.
Either player would be a cornerstone addition.
But the Blue Jays have to be strategic. With Addison Barger emerging as a legitimate everyday option and the infield depth already taking shape, adding both stars simply doesn’t fit the current blueprint. Morosi’s report underscores that Toronto’s front office is focused on maximizing roster efficiency, not just collecting talent.
And that’s not a bad thing. Bringing in just one of these high-impact bats would still be a major win. The Blue Jays have already shown they’re willing to spend, and if they walk away from this offseason with either Tucker or Bichette locked into a long-term deal, it would mark another significant step toward sustained contention.
With the Winter Meetings just around the corner, expect the stove to heat up fast. Tucker and Bichette aren’t expected to sign this week, but once the action kicks off, Toronto will be right in the thick of it. Whether it’s Tucker’s lefty power or Bichette’s all-around offensive game, the Blue Jays are positioned to land a franchise-altering piece.
It won’t be both-but one might be all they need.