Following Kyle Tucker’s recent signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Toronto Blue Jays appear ready to pursue a different offensive option to support Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The team was interested in a long-term contract with Tucker, but after he committed to a four-year, $240 million deal in Los Angeles, Toronto is exploring other possibilities to strengthen their lineup.
Shi Davidi, a well-known Blue Jays insider, suggests Toronto may now turn its focus to outfielder Cody Bellinger. Adding Bellinger would provide a valuable left-handed bat and create balance alongside Guerrero, addressing lineup needs amid potential changes in the outfield. This move could also help fill voids expected with the possible departures of George Springer and Daulton Varsho after the upcoming season.
Bellinger, a left-handed bat the Blue Jays have flirted with over multiple off-seasons, could also help create the type of continuity Tucker or Bichette would offer. Providing Guerrero an elite complement in the lineup while helping to fill in an outfield facing the potential departures of George Springer and Daulton Varsho next off-season,
Davidi wrote.
The Blue Jays face significant payroll relief next season, as contracts totaling approximately $93-94 million come off the books. However, with the Collective Bargaining Agreement set to expire on December 1, there remains uncertainty about the financial landscape and roster building flexibility beyond 2027. Last year, Toronto paid $13.6 million in luxury tax given a payroll exceeding $286 million.
Cody Bellinger Seeks Long-Term Contract Amid Free Agency
As Bellinger transitions into free agency, he is reportedly aiming for a multi-year deal that could serve as the final significant contract in his career. After playing with three teams over the past four seasons, Bellinger is seeking stability and security moving forward.
MLB insider Jon Heyman revealed that the New York Yankees have presented Bellinger with a five-year offer worth about $155 million, exceeding $30 million annually. Though attractive, Bellinger prefers a seven-year deal, prompting ongoing negotiations to bridge the gap in contract length and terms.
The Yankees are believed to have offered Bellinger about $155 million over five years, confirming The Athletic report that it was more than $30M annually,
Heyman wrote.
But with Bellinger looking for seven years, the sides are trying to find new ways around the gap over term. … Bellinger is believed drawing interest from at least the Dodgers, Giants and Mets, and the Blue Jays could make sense depending on their other big pursuits (Tucker and Bichette).
Bellinger, who batted .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs last season for the Yankees, would not only strengthen Toronto’s offensive core but also remove a key contributor from a competing team, further benefiting the Blue Jays.
Toronto Seeks Additional Offense to Complement Existing Pitching
This offseason, the Blue Jays have concentrated on enhancing their pitching staff, yet they acknowledge the need for more power at the plate. Although they recently signed Japanese free agent Kazuma Okamoto to add depth, the club remains eager to acquire another major bat after missing out on Tucker.
The Blue Jays have been connected to both Bo Bichette and Cody Bellinger as potential additions. Manager John Schneider commented during the Winter Meetings on December 9 that bolstering the offense remains a priority for the team.
Probably a bat of some sort,
Schneider said.
We are coming off a really, really good offensive year in a lot of different ways. We did it and scored runs. There was a time we did it without Tony (Anthony Santander). A time we did it without Bo for a little bit. You feel good about your offense, but adding would be nice, and I think that is a priority.
If the Blue Jays successfully add another impactful hitter, their roster will gain significant depth and versatility, further enhancing their competitiveness in upcoming seasons.
