The Toronto Blue Jays have already added Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce and Tyler Rogers this offseason, but more additions could be on the way.
The Blue Jays’ next move could be in the position player market. They are reportedly pursuing Kyle Tucker, and their homegrown star shortstop, Bo Bichette, is still a free agent. The market is likely on hold until Tucker signs, but if the Blue Jays land him, they may not be able to pay Bichette.
There is a great alternative to Bichette on the open market, especially if the Blue Jays were ready to move Bichette to second base to help mask his poor defense. The Arizona Diamondbacks are reportedly shopping Ketel Marte, and the Blue Jays are not on his reported no-trade list. He could be a cheaper alternative to Bichette, regardless of whether the Blue Jays sign Tucker.
Prediction: Blue Jays allow Bichette to walk and trade for Marte
Not only is Marte cheaper than Bichette, but he also brings more power and is an above-average defender at second base. He was named an All-Star in each of the last two seasons and has won two consecutive Silver Slugger Awards. He has 64 home runs and a .913 OPS in the last two seasons.
Marte signed a six-year, $116 million extension earlier this year. Marte will make just $28 million total over the next two seasons. After that, he is slated to make $20 million in 2028, $22 million in 2029 and $22 million in 2030. He has an $11.5 million player option in 2031. Right now, he is inexpensive considering the caliber of player he is.
The Blue Jays could trade him in a couple of seasons, potentially paving the way for their No. 3 prospect Arjun Nimmala to take over at either shortstop or second base.
This is not to say the Blue Jays cannot afford Bichette, but Marte would be just as good on offense, with better defense. Additionally, if the Blue Jays sign Tucker, some experts believe they will not be able to re-sign Bichette anyway.
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