Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette: the Blue Jays are still in the running

The Toronto Blue Jays have clearly demonstrated to the baseball world that they are serious about completing the unfinished business of 2025, having been active on the free agent market this winter, signing up for a modest $337 million in future salaries.

The latest proof? The signing of Kazuma Okamoto from Japan.

But this begs the question: after giving the Nippon man $60 million for the next four years, will Toronto continue to make other major personnel moves?

According to Jim Bowden, Okamoto's arrival in Ontario doesn't help the Blue Jays' derbies with Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker.

https://twitter.com/jaysfan_19/status/2008015387099807798?s=20

Keegan Matheson of MLB.com agrees

I don't see the Okamoto deal as eliminating the Blue Jays from anything, Tucker and Bichette included. You can't walk away from a deal you don't yet know the price of. They, like everyone else, are waiting for the right prices.

While the Jays are still in the running for their former colt and Tucker, it's a different story for Alex Bregman. While it's true that Toronto can't be considered “out” until a player's deal has been finalized, this makes less and less sense in the case of the third baseman.

https://twitter.com/KeeganMatheson/status/2007564073874141665?s=20

Right now, the Blue Jays' infield would be complete with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first, Ernie Clement at second, Andres Gimenez at shortstop, and Okamoto at third base. Bringing Bichette back to Toronto would allow Clement to occupy a more versatile role, which suits him better.

It will be interesting to see what direction the Canadiens take in the coming days, if not weeks.

This content was created with the help of AI.