The Toronto Blue Jays signed Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year, $60 million deal, but The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon revealed that the Blue Jays remain in pursuit of Kyle Tucker.
The Blue Jays have already spent big on Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce, Tyler Rogers and now Okamoto. However, Bannon noted that they have increased their efforts to recruit Tucker following the signing of Okamoto and that their odds of signing Bichette appear “increasingly unlikely.”
Bichette is a homegrown star and one of the best hitters in baseball. However, Tucker has 134 home runs since 2021 and would be a great fit in Toronto long-term. He is the best free agent in this class, and the Blue Jays have been seen as the favorites to sign him all winter.
Okamoto’s addition gives the Blue Jays another option in the infield, decreasing their need for Bichette. Meanwhile, Tucker is not going to crowd the outfield and would give the Blue Jays another superstar alongside Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Bannon noted that Bichette could still return, but it would likely have to be on a short-term deal with opt-outs.
Other teams remain involved in Bichette’s market, so if he finds a long-term deal he likes, he would likely choose it over a short-term deal in Toronto. Right now, it seems like Tucker is the Blue Jays’ top priority, and the money it will take to land him would likely price the Blue Jays out of signing Bichette.
Committing $60 million to Okamoto really points to a divorce with Bichette incoming. He can play third base, meaning the Blue Jays could use Ernie Clement at shortstop more often, allowing Okamoto and Barger to get work at third base. The Blue Jays are not likely to spend big on another infielder, even if it is Bichette.
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