Blue Jays Notes: Bichette’s Flexibility, Luxury Tax Hit, Alcala Signing & More
As the offseason winds on and the rumor mill spins slowly, there are a few storylines worth tracking north of the border - and yes, the Blue Jays are still very much in the thick of it.
Let’s start with Bo Bichette.
Bichette’s Willingness to Move Positions
One of the more intriguing developments is the report that Bichette is open to moving off shortstop and sliding over to second base. That’s a significant note, especially with free agency looming in the not-so-distant future. While shortstop remains the premier infield position - both in terms of prestige and paycheck - the idea of Bichette showcasing positional flexibility could widen the pool of potential suitors down the line.
Now, let’s be clear: Bichette has made it known he wants to win, and he’s been a cornerstone of the Jays’ core. But even if his defense at short has drawn some mixed reviews, his bat plays anywhere.
If a club sees more value in him at second, and the dollars are right, it’s hard to imagine him turning that down. And if he ends up staying at shortstop?
There are definitely teams out there willing to pay for the offensive upside, glove be damned.
Luxury Tax Bill: Jays Among the Big Spenders
The Blue Jays were one of nine MLB teams to exceed the luxury tax threshold this past season, and it cost them - to the tune of $13.6 million. That’s a sizable check, though it pales in comparison to the Dodgers, who led the way with a staggering $169.4 million tax bill. The Mets ($91.6M), Yankees ($61.8M), and Phillies ($56.1M) also took heavy hits, while the Padres, Astros, Red Sox, and Rangers (just $190K) rounded out the list.
For the Jays, this marks a continued willingness to spend, even if the results haven’t quite matched the investment yet. To put it in perspective, the luxury tax penalty was just shy of what they spent on Andrés Giménez. That’s not nothing.
Canadian Sports Story of the Year
In a nod to their national prominence, The Globe and Mail named the Blue Jays the “Canadian Sports Story of the Year.” It’s a fitting recognition - whether due to the club’s offseason drama, postseason push, or the ever-present buzz around potential big moves, the Jays have kept themselves front and center in the Canadian sports conversation.
Jorge Alcala Signs Minor League Deal
On the roster front, the Jays added some bullpen depth by signing right-hander Jorge Alcala to a minor league contract. Alcala’s 2025 numbers were rough - an 8.88 ERA across 22 games - but he’s not far removed from a strong 2024 campaign, where he posted a 3.24 ERA over 54 appearances with 58 strikeouts in 58.1 innings.
Alcala has logged 200 career MLB games with a 4.29 ERA, and while the highs have been solid, consistency has eluded him. Still, for a minor league deal, this is a low-risk, potentially useful signing. If he can recapture his 2024 form, he could be a valuable piece in the middle innings.
Murakami Deadline Approaching
The clock is ticking on Munetaka Murakami’s posting window, with the deadline set for Monday at 5:00 p.m. ET.
The Jays are reportedly among the teams in the mix. Murakami brings legitimate power to the table, but he also comes with a fair amount of swing-and-miss in his game.
That said, Toronto’s emphasis on contact and approach could be a good fit for smoothing out some of those edges.
Murakami’s bat has the potential to change a lineup, and the Jays - who could use a boost in that department - are keeping their options open.
Kyle Tucker Rumors Heating Up
There’s growing chatter that the Jays are in the mix for Kyle Tucker, and some even suggest they could be the favorites. While that’s still far from a done deal, it speaks to Toronto’s aggressive mindset this winter. The club hasn’t shied away from the luxury tax, and if they see Tucker as a long-term cornerstone, they may be willing to pay up.
Of course, Jays fans have been down this road before. Optimism is warranted, but until the ink’s dry, it’s wise to keep expectations in check.
A Moment of Crossover: Clement Meets Allen
In a fun crossover moment, Jays utility man Ernie Clement exchanged jerseys with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. It’s a cool gesture between two athletes representing teams just a couple hours apart - and a reminder that sports connections often stretch beyond the lines of the field.
The Blue Jays may not have made their big splash yet, but the groundwork is being laid. From Bichette’s positional openness to their pursuit of international stars and top-tier free agents, Toronto remains one of the more fascinating teams to watch as the offseason unfolds.