Kyle Tucker emerges as Toronto Blue Jays’ top target after Mitch Bannon reports increased effort over Bo Bichette

The offseason for the Toronto Blue Jays is getting exciting in ways fans didn't see coming. With All-Star players Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker both on the table, the team has a decision to make that could change its roster for a long time. Insider Mitch Bannon shares that while the Jays are still connected to both stars, their push to acquire Tucker has ramped up, particularly after signing Japanese power hitter Kazuma Okamoto.On the other hand, the infield is packed, so a reunion with Bichette isn't a sure thing. Now, discussions are all about payroll flexibility, smart trades, and savvy roster adjustments. Is it possible for Toronto to go after Tucker and let Bichette go, or will they come up with a clever way to keep both? With spending records already shattered, every decision counts, and the upcoming weeks might shape the Jays' 2026 season before it kicks off.Mitch Bannon, a staff writer for The Athletic covering the Toronto Blue Jays said, “The Toronto Blue Jays remain linked to All-Star hitters Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker. Although league sources said the Jays have increased their efforts to recruit Tucker, who remains a roster fit after the signing of Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto, a reunion with Bichette appears increasingly unlikely.” This statement was based on league sources and appeared in Bannon's article titled "Where the Blue Jays stand with Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker."Bannon further noted: “While some in the Blue Jays organization remain advocates for signing the 27-year-old Bichette, the club’s infield as currently constructed appears crowded. It would be seemingly impossible to find regular reps for all of Bichette, Okamoto, Andrés Giménez and Ernie Clement.” The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal contributed reporting to this story.The Blue Jays have been busy this offseason, splurging $337 million, which includes bringing in Japanese power hitter Kazuma Okamoto, according to Mitch Bannon from The Athletic.At the press conference where Okamoto was introduced on January 6, 2026, Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins mentioned, “If there’s an opportunity for us to think about improving the organization, we’re going to always lean into creative ways to do so.” Atkins also reiterated that he feels good about the current roster.Right now, Toronto's expected collective bargaining tax payroll is over $304 million, as per Cot's Baseball, which is the highest it's ever been for the franchise. This goes beyond the final CBT limit of $304 million, so any extra spending will be taxed at a whopping 90 percent.Even so, the team has the green light to spend, thanks to a $500 million extension for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. earlier this year. Next winter, nearly $80 million will be freed up as contracts for players like Kevin Gausman, George Springer, and Daulton Varsho expire.A reunion with Bichette seems less and less likely because of the packed infield, according to league sources mentioned by Mitch Bannon in The Athletic. The Blue Jays would have to pull off a big trade, like moving Anthony Santander, who still has four years left on his contract, to fit Bichette in. Given that Santander just had a rough 2025 season filled with injuries, trading him comes with no assurances.The team is probably going to keep communicating with Bichette’s agents since free agency is still up in the air. They might consider a shorter contract with opt-outs, like the ones Alex Bregman, Pete Alonso, and Cody Bellinger signed.Tucker seems like a way better choice for a regular right fielder. This way, the infield stays the same, with Addison Barger and Okamoto possibly sharing time at third base. Santander would shift to left field, while George Springer would mainly take on the DH role. Nathan Lukes might be the one left out, or trading Santander could open up more space.With important outfielders Daulton Varsho and Springer heading into free agency next winter, the Jays have room for another key outfielder like Tucker. Toronto brought Tucker in for a visit to their development complex in Florida in early December 2025.Players such as Guerrero and Myles Straw have reacted to Tucker’s posts on social media. A source from the league informed Bannon that Toronto has been more proactive in their pursuit of Tucker recently.Also Read: Pittsburgh Pirates labeled one of MLB’s most improved teams this off season