We’re a week away from Christmas Day and fans of the Toronto Blue Jays would love to see a couple of extra presents under the (metaphorical) tree. While the front office has already been busy addressing the Blue Jays pitching, there are still a few major moves to be made regarding the rest of the roster.
Former MLB general manager and current writer for The Athletic, Jim Bowden, has recently written about three players who would fit hose needs, and make great holiday gifts for Toronto.
The 3 free agents ex-GM Jim Bowden thinks are the best fits for the Blue Jays
Chris Bassitt
The first player Bowden says would be a fit for the Blue Jays is a veteran pitcher who spent the last three years in Toronto, Chris Bassitt. Bowden says the 36-year-old right-hander could be an inexpensive starter on a short term deal. Bowden writes, “He proved with Toronto that he has something left in the tank; he can help the Padres be contenders. I also think it’s possible he could return to Toronto to give them starting pitching depth.”
While the old adage is that you can never have enough starting pitching, the Blue Jays have already done a wonderful job in beefing up that part of their roster. They’ve also recently made a couple of additions to add on to their bullpen compliment. So while the fit isn’t that clean for a Bassitt reunion, he was one of the core “clubhouse guys” in the Blue Jays run to the World Series. Having Bassitt back in Toronto, even if it’s in a relief bulk-type role, could be worth whatever the price tag is to get him.
Bo Bichette
Bowden’s next fit for the Blue Jays is also a familiar face. Bo Bichette has spent his entire professional career in the Blue Jays organization, drafted in 2016 and debuting in 2019. Bowden says, “If the Blue Jays don’t sign Kyle Tucker, it is likely Bichette will return to Toronto (assuming he hasn’t signed by the time Tucker does).
Outside of the fact that he is a home grown star and his marketability for the team is through the roof, the 27-year-old Bichette would be a major addition to any team who signs him and it would be a shame if a division rival such as the Red Sox snatched him up. Bowden says, “He would ecome an instant fan favorite in Boston. Fenway Park’s unusual dimensions — with the Green Monster in left and the short porch in right — would benefit Bichette, who uses the whole field well. The Red Sox could make him their everyday third or second baseman.”
It would be in the Blue Jays best interest not only to have Bichette on their team, but also not have to watch Bichette bat against them 13 times a year, while aiding the Red Sox in their efforts to reclaim the AL East crown from the Blue Jays.
Kyle Tucker
The final free agent Bowden sees being a gift for the Blue Jays is the consensus number one free agent on the market, in Kyle Tucker. Unlike Bassitt and Bo, Tucker didn’t play for the Blue Jays last season, but they are in play for a number of reasons. Bowden says, “The Blue Jays would love to sign Tucker to be their everyday right fielder for the next decade as he fits everything they like in terms of being a complete player. It will be scary if he lands in Toronto with the team the Blue Jays already have in place.”
That would be a dynamic one-through-nine to have to face for opposing pitchers. Tucker would bring power, speed, defense and the ability to hit both right-handed and left-handed pitchers consistently. He’s been worth 25.5 bWAR since 2021 with an OPS+ of 145 and 134 home runs and has averaged 21 stolen bases a year.
Tucker, while not the same level of elite as perhaps Shohei Ohtani, or Juan Soto for that matter, would still be a major signing for Toronto after two years where they came up short in their chase to sign the number one free agent. He’d also provide insurance as the Blue Jays current outfield contains two guys in Daulton Varsho and George Springer who are set to hit free agency after the 2026 season.
Each one of these free agents would be a nice way to round out the 2025 portion of the offseason calendar, while looking ahead to finishing the job in 2026.
