The Toronto Blue Jays aren’t slowing down this offseason, and their latest move might be setting up something bigger.
They’ve already landed major free agents, but the signing of Kazuma Okamoto – an infielder who could provide roster flexibility – has people wondering if it’s clearing the path for a run at Kyle Tucker.
Tucker’s name keeps popping up in Blue Jays conversations, and for good reason.
“It’s the best fit on paper, if nothing else,” MLB.com’s Anthony Castrovince wrote Friday. “The Jays have added to their loaded lineup this offseason, but Tucker’s impact left-handed bat would give them better balance, and signing the market’s consensus No. 1 free agent would be in keeping with a Toronto team that has absolutely dominated that market.”
Castrovince makes another key point about the Okamoto signing: “The Jays’ signing of Okamoto only increased the odds that, if they do pull off another major move, it makes more sense for it to be in the outfield than in the infield.”
Tucker’s path to free agency has been winding. The Houston Astros traded him to the Chicago Cubs before the 2025 season, but Chicago doesn’t seem likely to retain him long-term.
That’s opened the door for big-market teams. The Yankees and Mets could make sense, though they don’t appear to be front-runners. The Dodgers always generate speculation too.
But Toronto seems to have positioned itself better than anyone.
The Perfect Timing
The Blue Jays have been aggressive this winter, and landing the market’s top free agent would send a clear message. After years of playoff disappointment, adding Tucker’s left-handed power to an already improved lineup could be the move that pushes them over the top.
It’s one thing to add talent around the edges. It’s another to land a player who can change the entire dynamic of your offense.
The way I see it, if Toronto pulls this off, they’re not just improving their roster – they’re making a statement about their championship window being right now.
