The Toronto Blue Jays were so close.
Game 7 of the World Series went extra innings before the Dodgers edged Toronto to repeat as champs and leave the Blue Jays as painful runners-up.
Most prognosticators since that loss have suggested Toronto will make a splash this offseason, but probably not multiple.
After all, they paid Vladimir Guerrero Jr. A $500 million contract in April. How much money is there to go around?
The Athletic's Andy McCullough is not taking that world view, though. He wrote a new article this week suggesting what free agent will end up with each team in MLB. For 29 of the teams, he listed one guy. For the Blue Jays, he wrote that they'd land two.
In McCullough's projection, not only do the Blue Jays bring back Bo Bichette. They also sign Kyle Tucker.
"The rare, two-for-one special for the low, low price of somewhere north of $500 million. Maybe north of $600 million," McCullough writes. "But the Blue Jays should go for it. The team came within a hair’s breadth of winning the World Series, and by all indications, owner Edward Rogers is willing to spend to keep the team’s championship window open. Toronto has played the bridesmaid for years in free agency, falling short on Ohtani, Soto and others, but I think this is the year the tide turns. Not only should the Blue Jays retain homegrown star Bichette, but they should win the bidding war for Tucker, a dynamic, two-way player who can complement face-of-the-franchise Vladimir Guerrero Jr."
To McCullough's point, this really is the Blue Jays' chance. They have momentum on their side. They look like a fun, exciting team to play for. They've got a city fired up, and an ownership group that surely wants to get over that final hump.
They missed out a couple years ago on Shohei Ohtani.
Now's their chance to not miss out again.
Bichette would be great to get back. He came up through the minor leagues with Vladdy and is comfortable in Toronto.
Adding Tucker to the mix would be incredible. He's the top free agent available and likely will be a solid hitter for years to come.
The combo deal? That would be how the Blue Jays could make the ultimate statement.
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