The Toronto Blue Jays were a finalist for coveted free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker, who signed a historic four-year, $240 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers late Thursday night.
Now that Tucker is no longer in play, how will the Blue Jays continue their offseason? It's been a rather successful winter after a trip to the World Series.
"The Jays are a strong bet to repeat as American League champions even after striking out on Tucker," The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal wrote Friday. "They have spent more than any other team in free agency, with a combined $337 million on right-hander Dylan Cease, infielder Kazuma Okamoto, reliever Tyler Rogers, and right-hander Cody Ponce. And their outfield already is in good shape, at least for 2026."
With Toronto's spending already surpassing $300 million this offseason, they may have a quiet January.
'Minor' moves from here on out
After missing out on Tucker, the Blue Jays could target Cody Bellinger, who is attempting to find common ground with the New York Yankees. Or, they may re-shift their focus to shortstop Bo Bichette, a fan favorite in Toronto who made two All-Star teams in seven Major League years with the organization.
"If Bellinger goes back to the Yankees and Bichette signs with the Phillies, the rest of the Jays’ offseason likely will include only minor alterations," Rosenthal added.
Even without Bichette and Bellinger, the Blue Jays will enter the season as the top contender in the American League. Losing the bidding for Tucker may sting temporarily, but the club remains well-positioned to win back-to-back AL East titles.
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