Blue Jays Get Brutal Reality Check on Superstar Free Agent Pursuit
In this story:
The Toronto Blue Jays' offseason plans hit a serious snag Tuesday when ESPN insider Jeff Passan delivered a sobering reality check. Toronto has spent over $270 million this winter on pitching, but landing a superstar bat remains far from guaranteed.
Passan responded to a question about the Blue Jays' chances with Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette, and Alex Bregman. His answer wasn't what Toronto fans wanted to hear.
Jeff Passan’s reply to someone on Threads about #BlueJays pic.twitter.com/tfj8x9xm33
— Ben Turner (@benturn22) December 31, 2025
"There are scenarios where they get none," Passan wrote on Threads on December 31. "There are scenarios where they get one. There are scenarios where they get two. For example, if Bichette goes to Boston, Bregman to Arizona and Tucker to the Dodgers -- all of which are possible."
That nightmare example illustrates how quickly Toronto's plans could crumble. Boston desperately needs middle infield help and has the payroll flexibility to steal Bichette from his hometown team. Arizona wants a veteran third baseman and views Bregman as the perfect clubhouse leader. The Dodgers can offer Tucker another shot at a championship, even on a shorter deal.
Each destination represents a realistic landing spot based on actual team needs and financial capacity. The Blue Jays aren't competing against hypothetical scenarios but legitimate suitors with deep pockets and compelling pitches.
Passan's "get none" warning stems from Toronto's payroll constraints after their pitching splurge. Adding even one bat pushes spending into uncomfortable luxury tax territory. Pursuing multiple targets becomes nearly impossible without crossing thresholds the front office has historically avoided.
Blue Jays Face Uphill Battle in Free Agency
Tucker visited the Blue Jays' Dunedin facility earlier this month, but that interest hasn't translated into urgency. The 28-year-old outfielder can afford patience as the crown jewel of free agency. His asking price likely exceeds $400 million over a decade, which would shatter Toronto's franchise record and complicate retaining Vladimir Guerrero Jr. long-term.
Bichette's situation grows more complicated by the day. The homegrown shortstop bounced back from injury to hit .311 with 18 home runs and 94 RBIs last season. His willingness to move to second or third base opened doors with teams that already have established shortstops, expanding his market beyond Toronto's control.
Losing Bichette to Boston would sting the most. The Red Sox need exactly what he provides and can easily outbid Toronto if they choose. Watching a franchise icon suit up at Fenway Park would haunt the Blue Jays for years.
Bregman emerged as the backup plan if the other two fall through. He opted out of his Red Sox contract after hitting .273 with 18 home runs across 114 games last season. His two World Series rings and Gold Glove defense make him attractive, but Arizona's aggressive pursuit and competition from other contenders threatens Toronto's chances.
Passan also mentioned scenarios where Toronto lands one or two players, but he didn't guarantee either outcome. Most analysts view signing both Tucker and Bichette as financially unrealistic given the Blue Jays' existing commitments. General manager Ross Atkins would need to embrace luxury tax penalties the organization traditionally avoids.
Toronto came within two outs of a World Series title with its current roster. Standing pat would signal a troubling lack of urgency, but Passan's assessment makes clear that missing on all three targets remains a genuine possibility despite the Blue Jays' aggressive pursuit.
More Blue Jays News
Jayesh Pagar is currently pursuing Sports Journalism from the London School of Journalism and brings four years of experience in sports media coverage. His current focus is MLB coverage spanning the Blue Jays, Astros, Rangers, Marlins, Tigers, and Rockies, with additional expertise in basketball and college football.