The Toronto Blue Jays defied plenty of expectations this season by winning the American League. However, they did not stop there. The team even managed to almost win the World Series.
However, the team’s journey ended at almost. The Blue Jays lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 7 of the Fall Classic and must now assess what changes need to be made to win a championship. The Blue Jays already have their franchise player, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., signed to a long-term deal.
However, it will take more than just one superstar to stop the Dodgers’ reign. The Blue Jays have gone after marquee free agents in the past, but have come up short in the races for players like Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto. They will have the chance to go after another this offseason. Kyle Tucker is a free agent and figures to be the biggest name on the market.
Tucker is projected to sign a 10-year, $400 million deal in free agency, and MassLive’s Chris Cotillo predicts he will sign with the Blue Jays.
“This is a stretch after Toronto guaranteed $500 million to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. a year ago,” wrote Cotillo. “But the Jays have Bo Bichette coming off the books this year and both George Springer and Kevin Gausman hitting free agency after next year. Could the bad taste left in their mouths by Game 7 force a huge spend?”
Tucker had a down year by his standards, but he is an elite hitter. His numbers at Wrigley Field were terrible, but on the road, he was still great. Perhaps a new home ballpark will get him back to the player he was with the Houston Astros.
Since 2021, he has 134 home runs and has been named an All-Star four times. If the Blue Jays lose Bo Bichette, Tucker could be a great running mate for Guerrero. If Bichette stays, the three could pose a real threat to the Dodgers.
More MLB: Phillies MVP Candidate Projected To Sign Gaudy 4-Year, $128 Million Deal
