The wounds of Game 7 loss may still be healing, but the Blue Jays walk into the offseason with intent. In John Schneider’s words, they have set an expectation, a standard, and falling anywhere short of a World Series doesn’t seem like an option. That means spending big, retaining identity.

For the better part, the Blue Jays have much of their 2025 core roster’s guaranteed contracts running through the next few years. That includes Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s $500 million signed a year ago. But for the worse, of course, Bo Bichette is hitting free agency, while both George Springer and Kevin Gausman are cued for next offseason. Would this force the front office to eye the No.1 free agent in today’s market? Mass Live writer Chris Cotillo certainly thinks so.

Noting Kyle Tucker could sign with the Blue Jays, given the free agency situation with their top players, he said, “Could the bad taste left in their mouths by Game 7 force a huge spend?”

After a .266/.377/.464 season alongside 22 HR and 73 RBIs, Tucker is believed to chase a 10-year, $400 million contract. With two injuries suffered in two consecutive seasons, few believe teams could agree to that in a blink. But a healthy Tucker couldn’t be all bad for Toronto.

He was hitting .291/.395/.537 for the Cubs at the end of June, right before he suffered a fracture in his right hand. And with the relentless at-bat image that the Blue Jays have managed to put out this season, maybe the 29-year-old can carve himself a spot.

But the real question is, will the Blue Jays go for Tucker or Bichette? The shortstop led the team in RBI, total hits, doubles, and batting average as one of two to have an average over .300 despite missing a good part of September. It is very likely that the team prioritises signing him back. But Rogers ownership, led by chairman Edward Rogers, has also proven that they can spend big, meaning bringing Tucker isn’t impossible.

Let’s look at the math. Toronto’s 2026 payroll starts around $226 million. Re-signing Bo Bichette is the first priority, and that brings the payroll to roughly $254 million. And now, if they sign Tucker, who is expected to earn around $40 million per year, it pushes that payroll to a total near $294 million. This number isn’t too far from what they spent last season.

But this move is not just about money. The Blue Jays were this close. They led 4-3 in the ninth inning of World Series Game 7 and were just two outs away from a championship before Miguel Rojas ‘ game-tying home run.

But with the new season ahead, they are determined to run it back. And looking at Vladdy Jr.’s motivation and belief in this team, no one will be surprised if Shapiro chases Tucker’s excellence in the outfield to boost their offense and defense for the next season.

“I feel proud of myself, proud of my team, with what I accomplished this season. Obviously, it’s not the way we wanted to end it. But we lost one battle, we haven’t lost the war yet,” Guerrero said. “We’ve got to move forward. I’m very proud of myself and my teammates, and we’ll be back.”

And Toronto also has a clear need in the outfield

Their offense was potent in 2025. But the outfield has defensive stars with quiet bats. Daulton Varsho and Myles Straw are elite glove men, but their offensive stats are low. Anthony Santander struggled badly last season with negative WAR. George Springer was great, but he will be 36 in 2026. So, Tucker’s addition will be great and really makes sense after this season.

But before that, Toronto will face its biggest rivals in this race once again, but this time off the field, as the Los Angeles Dodgers will also be in the race.

The Dodgers have an open spot in left field, as Michael Conforto couldn’t pan out in that position this season. So if they successfully land Tucker in LA, they can move Teoscar Hernandez to left field, locking Tucker in right field.

That’s why Jon Heyman said, “Dodgers people are said to love Tucker, and the outfield is their one area of less than great strength.”

While their payroll is already an MLB-record $400M, they did try for last year’s No. 1 free agent, Juan Soto, with an offer of about $600M (with deferrals, of course) before bowing out and finishing fifth among five finalists in the biggest free agent derby ever.