The Toronto Blue Jays, late on Wednesday night, saw their organization in the latest free agent rumor. It was a familiar report, with a top free agent visiting their facilities. But this time, it feels different.
Kyle Tucker visited the Blue Jays' spring training facility in Dunedin, Florida, according to Robert Murray of Fansided.com. This visit is the first move from Tucker this free agency, and is good news for Toronto's chances of signing the star outfielder.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, in the wake of this visit, charted the Blue Jays' potential lineup if Tucker signs with Toronto. This new-look lineup, without Bo Bichette, would be the exact type of lineup that the Blue Jays need to return to the World Series.
In Wake of Blue Jays' visit, projected lineup with Kyle Tucker is 'dream' scenario for Toronto
"With the news that Tucker visited the Toronto Blue Jays' facility Wednesday," Rosenthal writes, "club officials are perhaps dreaming about rolling out this kind of lineup:
DH George Springer R
RF Kyle Tucker L
1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. R
3B Addison Barger L
C Alejandro Kirk R
LF Anthony Santander S
CF Daulton Varsho L
2B Ernie Clement R
SS Andrew Gimenez L"
This lineup for Toronto would be, as Rosnethal poses, a "dream" scenario for the Blue Jays. It's a balance of right-handed and left-handed sluggers up and down the lineup, with the only back-to-back involving Santander.
Not only would this structure work incredibly well for the Blue Jays offensively, but keeping Springer as the designated hitter would be a big improvement for the defense.
But, more importantly, it would also keep Springer as healthy as possible. Playing him in the field could add wear and tear and put him at greater risk of sustaining an injury.
Signing Tucker would allow for a well-constructed and balanced lineup. But it will also help Springer stay as healthy as possible, and give Toronto one of the best top-three batters in the Major Leagues.
Springer into Tucker, followed by Guerrero Jr., would be one of, if not the best, top-three hitters in baseball. Barger and Kirk, and the rest of the lineup, would make the Blue Jays lineup one of the toughest to face in all of MLB in 2026.
Amid an effort from ownership to make it back to the World Series, the Blue Jays are planning to be big spenders this winter. They've already spent $240 million on Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce, and Tucker would more than double the total spent this winter.
Rosenthal's projected lineup for the Blue Jays, if they can sign Tucker, only highlights how important Toronto's landing the star outfielder would be for the Blue Jays.
More Blue Jays News:
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- Numbers say Blue Jays' Alejandro Kirk was ripped off in Gold Glove voting
- Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Decision has ESPN insider giving himself an 'F-' grade
- MLB insider reports Blue Jays 'salivating' at chance to sign All-Star 3.20 ERA starter
- Blue Jays predicted to make blockbuster trade for $185 million two-time Cy Young, five-time All-Star who would replace Kevin Gausman as ace
- Blue Jays' Kyle Tucker vs. Bo Bichette free agent decision revealed by MLB insider