The Toronto Blue Jays are acting like contenders this winter. They struck first with a big deal to land Dylan Cease; they are in on Kyle Tucker and an attempt to bring back Bo Bichette.
But even their backup plans are aggressive. The Athletic reported that the Blue Jays are talking to Alex Bregman's agent. The third baseman fits neatly into a strategy that has been quietly taking shape all winter.
Toronto has explored multiple paths to upgrade its lineup. Still, the logic behind pursuing Bregman is less about star power and more about control of the infield, the payroll timeline, and a competitive window that remains very much open. While the Blue Jays would ideally like to add a left-handed hitter, their internal calculus appears to prioritize defensive fit and roster balance just as heavily.
In that context, Bregman makes sense in ways some other options do not. Unlike corner outfield bats such as Tucker or Cody Bellinger, Bregman would slide cleanly into Toronto’s infield alignment. He could remain at third base, allowing Ernie Clement to shift to second and Addison Barger to stay in right field alongside George Springer and Anthony Santander. For a club that came within two outs of a World Series title, that kind of stability carries real appeal.
Toronto’s parallel interest in Bichette underscores the same approach. Bichette, who filled in at second base during the World Series for the first time in his career, would offer a similar structural solution while bringing a younger age profile.
League projections have placed Bichette in line for a deal exceeding $200 million over eight years, while Bregman’s market is expected to settle closer to six years at a lower total value. That distinction matters for a front office already eyeing payroll flexibility after 2026, when several significant contracts are set to expire.
Bregman would enter a clubhouse led by former Houston Astros teammates, including Springer and Myles Straw, within an environment already regarded as one of the more cohesive in the league. Around baseball, Bregman continues to be valued not only for his production on both sides of the ball but for the leadership and accountability he brings to a roster with championship aspirations.
The Red Sox, Cubs, Diamondbacks and others are active in the same space, keeping the market fluid and unresolved. Still, Toronto is coming off a brilliant World Series run and offers a clear path back to the playoffs
