After coming within inches of a World Series title, the Toronto Blue Jays are liable to do just about anything in a bid to win it all.
Though their projected roster for next season looks quite strong, the Blue Jays are widely being peddled as one of the top destinations in free agency this winter. After locking up Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for 14 years, Toronto has a clear vision for contention, and that could be quite attractive to the marquee names on the open market.
Keeping two-time All-Star shortstop Bo Bichette is a worthwhile objective for the Blue Jays, as the 27-year-old proved this year that he’s still among the top contact bats in the sport. But could there be another superstar in Toronto’s crosshairs?
On Monday, Bleacher Report’s Joe Tansey predicted that the Blue Jays would acquire four-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker, reacting to a report in The Athletic that the big-spending Los Angeles Dodgers could be disinclined to commit long-term money to another outfielder.
“If the Dodgers aren’t in on Tucker, the Toronto Blue Jays might be viewed as the favorite to land him,” wrote Tansey. “Toronto might have to replace Bo Bichette’s bat in the lineup and it could use another left-handed power bat.”
“The fit in Toronto is too perfect, if the Dodgers are out, and it signing Tucker would be a statement of intent that the Blue Jays will contend for multiple years in the future.”
If the Blue Jays wind up going after Tucker, another question that will arise is whether the club can afford him and Bo Bichette, as both are going to land high nine-figure contracts. We know the Jays are willing to be one of the league’s top spenders, but just how far can they push the envelope?
Regardless, the idea of Tucker slotting into right field is a highly intriguing one, even if it creates some questions for this year’s roster.
