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<\/p>\nThe Toronto Blue Jays remain linked to All-Star hitters Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker. Although league sources said the Jays have increased their efforts to recruit Tucker, who remains a roster fit after the signing of Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto, a reunion with Bichette appears increasingly unlikely.<\/p>\n
In addressing the team\u2019s potential paths forward during Okamoto\u2019s introductory press conference Tuesday, Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins reiterated that he feels good about the current roster after a $337 million spending spree. But even after acknowledging that any future moves would cut into playing time for current players, Atkins stopped short of explicitly ruling out more additions.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf there\u2019s an opportunity for us to think about improving the organization, we\u2019re going to always lean into creative ways to do so,\u201d Atkins said.<\/p>\n
Throughout the 2025 season, Bichette consistently expressed his desire to stay in Toronto and play alongside his fellow franchise mainstay, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. While some in the Blue Jays organization remain advocates for signing the 27-year-old Bichette, the club\u2019s infield as currently constructed appears crowded. It would be seemingly impossible to find regular reps for all of Bichette, Okamoto, Andr\u00e9s Gim\u00e9nez and Ernie Clement.<\/p>\n
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\n Ronald Martinez \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n
The Jays will likely stay in touch with Bichette\u2019s representatives as free agency remains fluid and plans evolve. Perhaps if Bichette elects to take a shorter deal with opt-outs, similar to the contracts signed by Alex Bregman, Pete Alonso, and Cody Bellinger in recent offseasons, the Jays could make things work for a year. More likely, Toronto would have to make a significant trade, like moving Anthony Santander with four years left on his deal, to open room for Bichette.<\/p>\n
Trading Santander could create more designated hitting appearances for Okamoto and Guerrero, clearing up playing time in the infield. But it\u2019s no guarantee the Jays could even find a serious suitor for Santander coming off an injury-plagued 2025 season.<\/p>\n
Tucker, on the other hand, appears to be a much easier fit as an everyday right fielder. Toronto\u2019s infield would remain untouched, with Addison Barger and Okamoto likely acting as a sort of third base platoon.\u00a0Santander would move to left field and George Springer would log most of the time at DH. The odd man out, in that case, would be outfielder Nathan Lukes,\u00a0though a Santander trade could also open room in this case, too.\u00a0With key outfielders Daulton Varsho and Springer set for free agency next winter, the Jays have room for another outfield cornerstone.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s far from a guarantee that the Jays land Tucker. He will likely have suitors across the league and the Jays have already spent significant financial resources on four free-agent additions. But Toronto\u2019s interest in the 28-year-old is clear.<\/p>\n