With Christmas just around the corner, Blue Jays fans are hoping their team has a few more surprises in store before the calendar flips to 2026. The front office has already been active, particularly on the pitching front, but there’s still room under the tree for a few more roster upgrades. Former MLB general manager Jim Bowden recently spotlighted three free agents who could be perfect fits for Toronto-and each would bring something unique to a club looking to build on its recent success.
Let’s break down Bowden’s picks and what they could mean for the Blue Jays as they aim to stay competitive in a stacked American League.
Chris Bassitt: A Familiar Face Who Still Has Gas in the Tank
Chris Bassitt isn’t a flashy name on the free agent market, but he’s a steady one-and for a rotation that’s already been reinforced this offseason, that kind of depth can be invaluable. The 36-year-old righty spent the last three seasons in Toronto, and while he’s not in his prime anymore, he proved he can still get outs and eat innings. Bowden believes Bassitt could be had on a short-term, team-friendly deal, and even floated the possibility of a return to Toronto.
Now, let’s be clear: the Blue Jays have already done solid work in shoring up their rotation and bullpen. So from a pure roster-construction standpoint, the fit might not be seamless.
But Bassitt brings more than just innings. He was a respected voice in the clubhouse during Toronto’s World Series run and has the kind of veteran presence that can help guide a younger staff through the grind of a 162-game season.
Even if he’s not locked into a starting role, Bassitt could thrive in a hybrid capacity-think long relief or spot starts. For a team with postseason aspirations, having a guy like Bassitt waiting in the wings could prove to be a difference-maker down the stretch.
Bo Bichette: Keep Your Stars Close-and Out of the Division
Bo Bichette has been a Blue Jay since he was drafted back in 2016, and he’s grown into one of the faces of the franchise. But as free agency looms, Bowden raises a scenario that would be tough for Toronto fans to stomach: Bichette in a Red Sox uniform.
Bowden notes that if the Blue Jays fall short in their pursuit of Kyle Tucker, a reunion with Bichette becomes more likely-assuming he hasn’t already signed elsewhere. And while Bichette’s value to Toronto goes beyond the box score-he’s a homegrown star with serious marketability-his on-field impact is undeniable. At 27, he’s still in his prime, and his ability to hit to all fields makes him a dangerous bat in any lineup.
The idea of Bichette playing in Fenway Park is particularly concerning for Toronto. With that short right field porch and the Green Monster in left, Bichette’s all-fields approach could thrive in Boston. Bowden even suggests he could slide into second or third base for the Red Sox, adding versatility to his already valuable profile.
For the Blue Jays, bringing Bichette back isn’t just about maintaining continuity-it’s also about keeping a key bat out of a division rival’s hands. Watching him face Toronto 13 times a year in a different jersey would be a tough pill to swallow, especially if he’s helping Boston chase the AL East crown.
Kyle Tucker: The Crown Jewel of the Offseason
If there’s one name that could truly shift the Blue Jays’ trajectory heading into 2026, it’s Kyle Tucker. The 28-year-old outfielder is widely regarded as the top free agent on the market, and Bowden sees Toronto as a legitimate landing spot.
Tucker is the kind of player who checks every box: power, speed, defense, plate discipline, and a track record of consistent production. Since 2021, he’s racked up 25.5 bWAR, launched 134 home runs, and maintained a 145 OPS+. He’s also averaged 21 stolen bases per season, giving him the kind of five-tool profile that teams dream about.
For Toronto, Tucker would slot in as the everyday right fielder and immediately elevate the offense from top to bottom. His left-handed bat would bring balance to the lineup, and his ability to handle both righties and lefties would make him a matchup-proof threat. Add him to a group that already includes names like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer, and suddenly you’re looking at one of the most dangerous lineups in the league.
There’s also a long-term angle here. Both Springer and Daulton Varsho are set to hit free agency after the 2026 season, so locking in Tucker now provides some future-proofing for the outfield. And after falling short in their bids for Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto in recent years, landing Tucker would be a major statement of intent from the Blue Jays’ front office.
Final Thoughts: A Chance to Finish Strong
The Blue Jays have already made some smart moves this offseason, but these three names-Bassitt, Bichette, and Tucker-represent three very different, very intriguing paths forward. Bassitt offers experience and depth.
Bichette is a cornerstone talent who’s already beloved in Toronto. And Tucker?
He’s the kind of game-changer who could help push this team from contender to championship favorite.
With a few key decisions still on the table, the Blue Jays have a chance to wrap up 2025 with a bang-and set themselves up for an even bigger 2026.