The Toronto Blue Jays swung big for Kyle Tucker - and missed. But that doesn’t mean they’re done making noise this offseason. Far from it.
Tucker, one of the most coveted bats on the market, is heading to the Dodgers on a massive four-year, $240 million deal - that’s $60 million per year, a staggering number even by today’s free-agency standards. The Blue Jays were serious players in the chase, reportedly willing to spend big, but ultimately couldn’t match the Dodgers’ short-term, high-AAV pitch.
So now what?
Well, Toronto suddenly has a pile of money it was ready to spend - and a clear need to make a splash. One name that immediately comes back into focus: Bo Bichette.
The Jays had seemingly shifted their attention away from Bichette as they zeroed in on Tucker, especially after locking in third baseman Kazuma Okamoto. But with Tucker off the board, the door might be swinging back open for a reunion with their longtime shortstop.
There’s no doubt Bichette would cost less than Tucker - but “less” is relative in this market. With Alex Bregman just landing a five-year, $175 million deal, Bichette’s price tag is likely hovering in a similar range.
He’s younger, plays a premium position, and has been a cornerstone in Toronto’s lineup for years. He won’t be a bargain, but he might be the right kind of expensive.
And let’s not overlook the emotional and clubhouse angle here. Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have been the faces of this franchise for years - homegrown stars who came up together and nearly led Toronto to a World Series title in 2025.
They were one win away. One swing, one pitch, one moment.
Bringing Bichette back wouldn’t just be about filling a roster spot. It’d be about continuity, belief, and unfinished business.
The Blue Jays were ready to go big for Tucker. That same energy, that same financial commitment, could now be redirected toward keeping a core intact that already came heartbreakingly close to a championship.
With Tucker out of the picture, the Blue Jays have a choice: pivot, reload, and double down on the guys who got them to the doorstep. Bo Bichette is still out there. And Toronto has the money - and the motivation - to make it happen.