The Toronto Blue Jays could end up going in a few different directions this offseason if they decide on certain things.
Not signing Kyle Tucker would be a big miss, but it wouldn’t mean Toronto is standing still.
The Blue Jays would still have money to spend, and there are ways to improve the roster without committing everything to just Tucker.
Bo Bichette remains a big piece to the future, if he returns. While I understand Bichette’s defensive concerns, we can’t ignore what he brings offensively.
Wouldn’t it be better to have him and bring in another player, for the price of one Tucker?
Cody Bellinger could be that guy.
Toronto could use another proven outfield bat, and Bellinger gives them someone who can slot into the lineup without spending a ridiculous amount on one player. He wouldn’t fix everything, but he was better than Tucker was a season ago.
Some love that idea.
Aaliyan Mohammed of Newsweek predicted the Blue Jays will pass on Tucker and instead re-sign Bichette to a six-year, $170 million deal while also signing Bellinger to a six-year, $180 million contract.
“Missing out on Tucker would obviously sting, but he could have cost the Blue Jays north of $400 million in total value. Instead, they could sign both Bellinger and Bichette, solidifying their infield while also adding a superstar in the outfield. Bellinger slashed.272/.334/.480 last season and hit 29 home runs, the most he's hit in a season since his 2019 MVP campaign.
“Meanwhile, the Blue Jays know exactly what they are getting in Bichette. A contact-oriented hitter who puts the ball in play and racks up hits. He was leading all of baseball in hits prior to his knee sprain last season. His defense is not great, but the Blue Jays could move him to second base and shift Andrés Giménez to shortstop,” he wrote.
If that’s how things play out, it would be a nice offseason for Toronto. Rather than chasing one massive addition, the Blue Jays would be choosing to spread their resources across the roster and address multiple needs at once.
More Blue Jays news:
- Blue Jays general manager explains plan for Ricky Tiedemann after signing Dylan Cease to $210 million deal
- Blue Jays connected to move that would cut ties with Anthony Santander to help pay Kyle Tucker
- Insider reveals Blue Jays plan for Bo Bichette if he re-signs in Toronto
- Blue Jays’ Chris Bassitt could still land back in Toronto, according to MLB insider
- Blue Jays, Red Sox among teams that have called Diamondbacks for Ketel Marte
- Red Sox reportedly in the mix for Blue Jays’ Bo Bichette, which might be telling about Alex Bregman’s future