Blue Jays predicted to ditch Bo Bichette for Kyle Tucker in free agency

Matt Sullivan

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Blue Jays predicted to ditch Bo Bichette for Kyle Tucker in free agency image

The Toronto Blue Jays are looking to make some major splash signings this winter. They've already made one such move with their $210 million Dylan Cease free agent deal, but the Blue Jays are planning to add to their lineup next.

After Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso signed for $150 and $155 million deals with the Philadelphia Phillies nd Baltimore Orioles, respectively, the Blue Jays can focus all of their attention on two key free agents: Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette.

While the decision is a tricky one in deciding which of the two (or both) to sign, USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale predicts that the Blue Jays will ditch Bichette for Tucker to revamp their outfield.

Blue Jays predicted to ditch Bo Bichette for Kyle Tucker

"Prediction: The Blue Jays sign free agent right fielder Kyle Tucker and closer Robert Suarez, too," Nightengale writes, "while letting shortstop Bo Bichette walk."

While this prediction is already impossible, with Robert Suarez signing a $45 million deal with the Atlanta Braves, the big decisions in this prediction are still in play.

Tucker coming to Toronto while Bichette walks is a very real possibility this winter. They've met with Tucker, and while he's going to cost much more than Bichette, he's someone who can help round out the lineup in Toronto.

The 28-year-old outfielder is coming off another strong All-Star season, this time with the Chicago Cubs. After spending the first seven years of his big league career with the Houston Astros, he was dealt to the Cubs for the 205 season.

More: Kyle Tucker spotted at Blue Jays facility, per MLB insider

During that lone year in Chicago, Tucker hit.266 with an.841 OPS in 136 games played. Tucker hit 22 home runs, had 73 RBIs, 25 stolen bases, 91 runs scored, and 25 doubles to go with strong defense in the outfield.

Tucker is likely to sign a much more expensive deal than Bichette. While Bichette hit.311 with 18 home runs and 3.5 bWAR in 2025 for the Blue Jays, Tucker has been a much more consistent hitter and fielder in his MLB career.

Bichette struggles defensively, especially at shortstop. The Blue Jays, if this Nightengale prediction comes true, would be deciding to go with a better defender and a more well-rounded slugger to add to their lineup.

Letting Bichette, a fan favorite, walk would sting for Toronto. But if it coincided with Tucker coming to the Blue Jays, then it would be a lot more digestible for the fanbase.

Nightengale's prediction is seemingly one of the more likely scenarios with Tucker and Bichette this winter. The Blue Jays' competition for Tucker isn't that strong, and if they sign him, re-signing Bichette wouldn't be likely.

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Staff Writer