Toronto faces a brutally tough call as two elite free agents force the Blue Jays into a franchise-defining choice. DD
The Toronto Blue Jays face a tough call between two of their top targets, and an MLB insider explains why they can’t have both.
The Toronto Blue Jays face a crucial decision this offseason as they look to build on their World Series appearance. Their pursuit of offensive reinforcements has narrowed to two star players, but roster construction and payroll realities will force them to pick one.
Jon Morosi Explains the Blue Jays’ Roster Dilemma
According to an MLB Network post on X (formerly Twitter) on December 1, 2025, Morosi broke down why Toronto faces an “either-or” situation between signing Kyle Tucker and retaining Bo Bichette. The video clip showed Morosi discussing the matter during the network’s Hot Stove segment.
Morosi pointed out that if the Blue Jays sign Tucker, the roster configuration creates immediate problems. Tucker would move into right field, which affects the roles of George Springer and Anthony Santander. More significantly, Addison Barger would shift to third base as an everyday player, with Ernie Clement at second and Andrés Giménez at shortstop.
“If you sign Tucker, Barger to third, Clement to second, Jimenez is your shortstop. And there’s not really any room for Bo at that point,” Morosi explained during the segment.
The reverse scenario creates the same problem. If Toronto retains Bichette at shortstop, Barger would move to the outfield to get regular at-bats. That lineup leaves no room for Tucker, making it impossible to accommodate both players regardless of which direction the front office chooses.
The positional logjam stems partly from Barger’s emergence as a key piece of the future. Morosi emphasized that his development cannot be interrupted. Giménez performed well at shortstop during the postseason, further complicating Bichette’s potential return if the Blue Jays prioritize keeping their young infielder at third base.
Financial constraints compound the roster puzzle. The Blue Jays already committed $210 million to starting pitcher Dylan Cease, pushing their payroll to approximately $250 million. Industry observers don’t expect Toronto to inflate spending to the levels of the Dodgers or Mets, making the pursuit of both players financially unrealistic.
What Each Player Brings to Blue Jays Lineup
The either-or decision becomes more complicated when examining what each player brings to the table.
Tucker represents the premier free agent on the market and is projected to command approximately $440 million over 11 years. The 28-year-old outfielder posted a .266 batting average with 22 home runs and 73 RBIs in 136 games for the Cubs in 2025, earning his fourth All-Star selection despite dealing with injuries.
Bichette, the homegrown shortstop, bounced back strong in 2025 after an injury-plagued 2024 campaign. He hit .311 with 18 home runs and a .840 OPS across 139 games, leading the league with 181 hits. His World Series performance was particularly impressive, batting .348 with a .923 OPS and six RBIs against the Dodgers.
Morosi noted that Tucker’s market includes the Dodgers and Giants alongside Toronto, while Bichette has publicly expressed openness to remaining in Toronto. The Blue Jays have indicated they will be active in Bichette’s market, but the roster construction issue remains regardless of financial considerations.
The Blue Jays must weigh the appeal of adding an elite outfielder against retaining their homegrown star. Either move addresses offensive needs, but the franchise can only accommodate one without disrupting Barger’s development path. Toronto’s decision will define its championship window for years to come.
