The Toronto Blue Jays have spent the winter impersonating the mighty Los Angeles Dodgers, easily spending more money than any team in baseball, and vowing to do everything possible to return to the World Series.
They’ve dropped $337 million in free agency – $142 million than anyone else – and dramatically improved the starting rotation, upgraded the bullpen, and enhanced their positional depth.
They just spent $60 million on Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto without knowing exactly what position he’ll primarily play in 2026.
The only thing known for sure is that the Blue Jays, the most aggressive team of the winter, aren’t done.
“If there’s an opportunity for us to think about improving the organization,’ Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins said Tuesday at the Okamoto press conference, “we’re going to always lean into creative ways to do so.’
Kyle Tucker in play for Toronto?
The Blue Jays still would love to sign the most desired free agent of the winter: outfielder Kyle Tucker, whose $400 million market hasn’t materialized. The Blue Jays have been trying to sign him since he set foot at their Dunedin, Florida workout facility in December. And if Tucker can’t get the long-term deal he wants from the Blue Jays or anyone else, the Los Angeles Dodgers are standing by willing to provide a short-term deal with a huge annual average salary.
The Blue Jays still have the door wide open for infielder Bo Bichette to return, but considering they couldn’t sign him to an extension last season, and have gotten nowhere in two months since he has become a free agent, a reunion appears more unlikely by the day.
The Blue Jays certainly aren’t desperate to bring him back knowing Okamoto could be their primary third baseman, shifting Ernie Clement to second base with Andres Gimenez at shortstop and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. entrenched at first base.
Alex Bregman’s market
The Blue Jays also remain in talks with infielder Alex Bregman, but they could just be trying to drive up the price for the Boston Red Sox, who remain the heavy favorites to bring him back. The Chicago Cubs also are in talks with Bregman, and could slide third baseman Matt Shaw to second base and make veteran Nico Hoerner available in trades.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have expressed interest in Bregman, but club executives make it clear that he’d be an option only if they are able to trade All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte. They want to lower payroll this season, and simply don’t have room in the budget for both players.
The Blue Jays have been in the driver’s seat this winter, signing starters Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce and Shane Bieber; reliever Tyler Rogers; and Okamoto. Their next step will determine the fate for the remaining marquee free agents, including outfielder Cody Bellinger, who the Yankees have been trying to re-sign all winter.
Certainly, the Bregman sweepstakes will impact Bichette. If Bregman, 32, returns to the Red Sox, after opting out of the final two years and $80 million in his contract of a year ago, it slams the door for Bichette in Boston – and increases the Blue Jays’ leverage. It may also leave the Cubs as the favorite for Bichette, though the Dodgers could be ready to pounce with a short-term deal.
If Tucker signs with the Blue Jays, they could move Anthony Santander from right field to left field and likely make George Springer their everyday DH with Daulton Varsho in center field. It would also put outfielder Nathan Lukes on the trade block.
It could also leave the Yankees and Mets in a heated duel for Bellinger’s services, just like a year ago with Soto. Bellinger has been the Yankees’ top priority all winter with the Mets also coveting him.
Blue Jays become a destination
The Blue Jays, trying to win their first World Series since 1993, simply won’t let money or creativity stand in their way. Remember, this is the same organization that also offered Shohei Ohtani $700 million two years ago before he went to the Dodgers and offered Juan Soto nearly the same before he took the Mets’ money.
The only difference now is that free agents are finally taking their money.
The Blue Jays, with a projected payroll of about $280 million, have become one of baseball’s most desired destinations. The love affair between their fans and organization is back in full force with attendance expected to eclipse three million once again.
“Getting into the World Series definitely helps,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said at the winter meetings. “The two teams that are the last ones standing, they’re shoved down everyone’s throat. I think within that it was a likeable team, that played the game the right way, and players kind of wanted to see what we’re all about.”
The Blue Jays are nearly ready for business and set to defend their American League pennant, but before they head off to spring training next month, they’re letting everyone know they just might have one more move up their sleeve.
Let’s see who steps up next to take their money.
Follow Nightengale on X: @Bnightengale