The Toronto Blue Jays' aggressive chase for free agent Kyle Tucker could force them to part ways with star shortstop Bo Bichette. MLB insider Bob Nightengale reports that signing Tucker would make retaining Bichette unrealistic due to payroll constraints. This move opens the door for Boston Red Sox interest in the two-time All-Star.
The Toronto Blue Jays have made significant offseason splashes, signing Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce to deals totaling $240 million. Their pursuit of Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker, who visited the team's Florida facility, intensifies the buzz around their roster plans. Tucker, a four-time All-Star, posted a .266/.377/.464 slash line with 22 home runs, 73 RBI, and 25 stolen bases last season. His projected contract exceeds $400 million, positioning him among baseball's highest-paid players.
This chase directly impacts Bo Bichette, the Blue Jays' homegrown shortstop entering free agency. Bichette rebounded in 2025 with a .311/.357/.483 line, 18 home runs, and 94 RBI, leading baseball in hits before a September knee injury. He has topped the American League in hits twice and earned two All-Star nods. However, experts estimate his next deal at $175-210 million over seven to eight years, or up to $216 million over eight. Nightengale notes, "If Tucker signs in Toronto, it would all but officially end Bo Bichette’s tenure north of the border, where he could wind up in Boston."
Payroll pressures mount with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as the franchise face and contracts for George Springer and Kevin Gausman nearing expiration. Signing Tucker would anchor right field, potentially rendering Bichette expendable. Bichette's defensive struggles—he's been labeled the worst shortstop in MLB by some analysts—further complicate retention.
Trade rumors swirl around infielder Addison Barger, who broke out in 2025 with 21 home runs, 32 doubles, and a .243/.301/.454 slash line across 135 games. At $760,000 with control through 2029, his versatility at third base and right field makes him valuable. One proposal from analyst Thomas Nestico involves trading Barger, José Berríos, and prospects Arjun Nimmala and Johnny King to the Arizona Diamondbacks for second baseman Ketel Marte and outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Marte, a three-time All-Star with an .823 career OPS, enters the second year of a $117 million extension at under $20 million AAV, offering an upgrade over Bichette offensively and defensively.
The Blue Jays face tough choices: Tucker for star power or Bichette for familiarity. Failure to land Tucker or re-sign Bichette could pivot Barger as a trade centerpiece for needs like second base.
