The Toronto Blue Jays just got hit with a one-two punch that no fan wanted to see coming. In less than 24 hours, the team not only missed out on signing Kyle Tucker-the crown jewel of this year’s free agent class-but also saw a potential reunion with Bo Bichette vanish as the New York Mets swooped in and signed the star shortstop. And just like that, the Blue Jays’ offseason-while solid on paper-suddenly feels incomplete.
Let’s be clear: Toronto hasn’t exactly been sitting on its hands this winter. The front office has already made some strong moves, adding right-hander Dylan Cease, reliever Tyler Rogers, swingman Cody Ponce, and slugging infielder Kazuma Okamoto.
That’s a solid foundation. But losing out on both Tucker and Bichette leaves a noticeable gap-not just in production, but in star power.
So where do the Blue Jays go from here? With two of their top targets off the board, the focus now shifts to the remaining free agents who could still make a meaningful impact. Let’s break down three players who could help Toronto pivot and potentially salvage what could still be a championship-caliber offseason.
Eugenio Suárez - Power Bat with Versatility
If the Blue Jays are looking to inject some serious power into their lineup, Eugenio Suárez might be the guy. The veteran third baseman is coming off a monster 2025 season, tying his career high with 49 home runs while driving in 118 runs and scoring 91 times. That’s not just production-that’s middle-of-the-order thunder.
Suárez brings more than just the long ball. He’s been a consistent run producer for years, with the kind of pop that can change a game with one swing.
An OPS hovering near .800 over the course of a full season? That plays-especially in a lineup that already features Vladimir Guerrero Jr., George Springer, Anthony Santander, and the newly signed Okamoto.
Defensively, Suárez is primarily a third baseman, but he’s got the flexibility to slot in at first base or even take a turn at DH. That kind of versatility would give manager John Schneider some valuable options when it comes to lineup construction and load management.
At 34, he’s not a long-term solution, but that’s part of the appeal. Signing Suárez likely wouldn’t require the kind of lengthy, high-dollar commitment that Tucker or Bichette would’ve commanded. For a team trying to win now without tying up future payroll, that’s a meaningful advantage.
Cody Bellinger - Left-Handed Pop and Championship Pedigree
If Toronto wants a proven winner with a résumé that includes both individual accolades and postseason hardware, Cody Bellinger checks every box. A former MVP, Rookie of the Year, and Gold Glove winner, Bellinger has been one of the most dynamic players in the game when healthy-and he showed in 2025 that he’s still got plenty left in the tank.
With the Yankees last season, Bellinger slashed .272/.813 with 29 home runs, 98 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases over 152 games. That’s a complete offensive profile-and it came with solid defense in the outfield. He’s still just 30, and his swing from the left side would bring much-needed balance to a Blue Jays lineup that leans heavily right-handed.
And let’s not ignore the added bonus here: if Toronto lands Bellinger, they’re not just improving their own roster-they’re taking a key piece away from a division rival. That kind of move can swing momentum in more ways than one.
Framber Valdez - Rotation Dominance on Another Level
If the Blue Jays decide to double down on pitching-and considering the arms they’ve already acquired, that’s not a bad idea-then Framber Valdez might be the ultimate finishing piece. The left-hander has quietly been one of the most effective starters in baseball over the past five years, and his numbers back it up: consistent double-digit wins, a sub-3.70 ERA, a ground ball rate north of 54%, and a bWAR of 17.3 over that span.
Valdez doesn’t just eat innings-he controls games. His ability to induce weak contact and keep the ball on the ground would play especially well in the AL East, where power bats are everywhere and mistakes get punished quickly.
Add him to a rotation that already includes Shane Bieber, Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman, and either Trey Yesavage or José Berríos, and you’re looking at a starting five that could go toe-to-toe with any staff in baseball. It would also allow the Blue Jays to shift Yesavage or Berríos into a swingman or high-leverage relief role, bolstering a bullpen that already features Ponce and 2025 breakout Eric Lauer.
Yes, it would make Toronto’s pitching staff one of the most expensive in the league-but it could also make it the most dominant. In a postseason series, pitching wins. And with a rotation like that, the Blue Jays could be built for October.
Bottom Line
Losing out on Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette stings-no question. Those were cornerstone-caliber players who could’ve defined the next era of Blue Jays baseball. But the offseason isn’t over, and the front office still has time to pivot.
Whether it’s adding Suárez’s power, Bellinger’s all-around game, or Valdez’s elite arm, Toronto still has paths to build a roster that can compete with anyone in the league. The window is open. Now it’s about making the right move to climb through it.