As MLB free agency rolls along at a slower-than-usual pace, four of the biggest bats on the market are still unsigned. And with the Toronto Blue Jays consistently linked to just about all of them, it’s fair to ask: which of these sluggers actually makes the most sense in Toronto?
Let’s break it down, not just by name recognition or fan sentiment, but by fit - roster construction, positional need, and the kind of offensive profile that could help the Blue Jays get back to being a legitimate threat in the AL.
1. Kyle Tucker: The Left-Handed Bat Toronto Needs
If the Blue Jays want to reshape their lineup and add a legitimate left-handed power threat, Kyle Tucker should be at the top of their wish list. Yes, Bo Bichette is the homegrown star and fan favorite, but from a pure roster-building standpoint, Tucker checks more boxes.
Tucker brings a balance to a righty-heavy lineup and would slot in beautifully behind Vladimir Guerrero Jr., giving pitchers a much harder time navigating the heart of the order. He’s a complete hitter with pop, and his presence could make someone like Anthony Santander - or another outfielder - expendable via trade.
In 2025, Tucker posted 22 home runs, 73 RBIs, a .266 average, and a 4.6 WAR - strong across the board and especially valuable when you factor in his defense and base-running. He’s not just a bat; he’s a well-rounded player who elevates a team in multiple ways.
2. Bo Bichette: The Familiar Face with Flexibility
Bo Bichette is the name that resonates most with Blue Jays fans - and for good reason. He’s been one of the most consistent hitters in the lineup, and his chemistry with Guerrero Jr. is well-documented. But the front office seems willing to let him test the market, likely to gauge his value before making a long-term commitment.
One interesting wrinkle: Bichette has reportedly told teams he’s open to a position change, specifically moving to second base. That could be a game-changer for Toronto. If the Jays can re-sign Bichette and shift him to second, they not only retain his elite contact bat but also open up shortstop for a stronger defender or prospect.
Last season, Bichette hit .311 with 18 home runs and 94 RBIs, racking up 181 hits in 582 at-bats and finishing with a 3.5 WAR. He remains one of the best pure hitters in the game, and if the positional flexibility is real, it only increases his value to Toronto.
3. Cody Bellinger: The Backup Plan with Pop
Cody Bellinger is a name that’s floated around Toronto’s orbit, but he feels more like a Plan B than a top priority. That’s not a knock on his talent - Bellinger had a resurgent 2025, hitting .272 with 29 homers, 98 RBIs, and a 5.1 WAR - but more a reflection of fit.
The Blue Jays already have a crowded outfield, and defensively, Bellinger doesn’t offer an upgrade over someone like Dalton Varsho. He’d likely split time between the outfield and designated hitter, much like George Springer, which could create a positional logjam.
Still, if Tucker ends up elsewhere and Toronto wants to add a lefty bat with power, Bellinger makes some sense. He’s versatile, he’s proven he can bounce back, and he brings postseason experience. But the Jays would need to be creative with how they deploy him.
4. Alex Bregman: Talented, But Not the Right Fit
There’s no denying Alex Bregman’s talent. He’s been one of the most consistent infielders in the game for years and remains a top-tier option on the market. But when it comes to the Blue Jays, the fit just isn’t there.
Toronto’s infield is already solid defensively, and players like Ernie Clement have emerged as reliable options. Unless the Jays are planning a major shakeup, there’s not a clear spot for Bregman - especially when other teams are likely to offer him a more defined role and bigger contract.
In 2025, Bregman hit .273 with 18 home runs, 62 RBIs, and a 3.5 WAR. Solid numbers, but not quite the game-changer Toronto needs at this point in their roster evolution.
Final Thoughts
The Blue Jays are at a crossroads this offseason. They have the core pieces to contend, but they need to be strategic with how they augment the roster.
Kyle Tucker brings the left-handed power and defensive value that could transform the lineup. Bo Bichette, if re-signed and moved to second, keeps the heart of the team intact while improving flexibility.
Bellinger is a solid fallback with upside, and Bregman - while talented - just doesn’t fit the current puzzle.
It’s a big winter in Toronto. The moves they make now will shape not just 2026, but the next several years of Blue Jays baseball.