Even before signing Kazuma Okamoto to a 4-year, $60 million deal, the Toronto Blue Jays’ core seemed done. However, GM Ross Atkins has signaled he’s just getting started. Now, insider Nick Gosse of the Jays Digest has hinted that they might still be chasing both Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette.

“At this point, there’s no ruling out multiple pieces. Tucker still makes a ton of sense. Bo still makes a ton of sense,” Gosse said.

But if Tucker and Bichette become a part of the Jays, the lineup would have to be reorganized. Gosse explained how.

“If we go by the assumption, Okamoto is going to play some third, and I think he’s going to play primarily third and then, also, play first base, because he’s a gold glover there in the Japan League. He can play first base on days where Vladdy DH’s, plays third. Other times, you move [Addison] Barger around, and you could DH Anthony Santander. You have room for either one of these guys [Tucker or Bichette].”

Last season, Okamoto’s batting average was a whopping .327, with a strikeout rate of just 11%. He consistently lifts and pulls the ball in the game and can add to the lineup by turning into an eventual primary 1B. He has played 474 games at first base in his career so far. So, this 6x All-Star could easily fit or transition between third and first base.

Also, let’s not forget his heroic go-ahead home run for Team Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic against Team USA, where Okamoto scored seven RBIs in 18 at-bats. Not only does Okamoto make the Jays’ lineup flexible but he is a proven star entering Toronto. Additionally, he comes at a much cheaper price than Bichette’s $200 million ask and tucker’s $400 million demand.

Meanwhile, if the Jays can move 3B Barger to right field and RF Santander to DH, there will be space for Bo Bichette or Kyle Tucker. In that case, Nathan Lukes is traded and Tucker can take up the left field. Or else, Bichette plays at second and Ernie Clement moves to another spot.

Several reports right now indicate that if the Jays go ahead with their shortstop, Clement will be reduced to more of a bench player. But even then, if he stays on the team, that’s a win-win for all. However, if Clement stays at second, Toronto might re-think their Bichette chase. The avenues seem endless for the World Series runner-up team, right now.

However, it is important to note that the team hasn’t given any updates on either pursuits. Since the postseason, they’ve mentioned they wish for Bichette to return to Toronto and in the offseason, they’ve met with Tucker to seemingly move ahead with his contract talks.

While it’s still unclear how Okamoto’s contract can impact Toronto’s pursuit of another top bat, insiders think that the Jays and Tucker are as clean a fit as ever.

Toronto faces multiple decisions going ahead

The Blue Jays have long been considered one of the likeliest teams for Kyle Tucker. However, Bo Bichette makes it a little confusing. But there are some decisions that Toronto can make moving forward. In one instance, Okamoto can play at third and Andrés Giménez at short. Clement wouldn’t play in the outfield and might share the second base with Davis Schneider, leaving Bichette out of the picture.

Before signing Okamoto, Barger was manning most of the third base, with Clement mostly working out of second base. So, if Barger comes in the right field, Clement will be in the same position. That’s an easier fit which also saves Toronto from going over their finances.

Top Stories

3 Reasons Bo Bichette’s Offseason Market Seemingly Collapses After Blue Jays’ Sudden Shift

Kyle Tucker Handed Blunt Reality Check as Blue Jays Shift Focus to Bolster Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Yankees Loyalist Reveals Real Reason For Hal Steinbrenner’s Cut Spending as Cashman Faces Fire For Wasting Money

Blue Jays To Ditch Kyle Tucker For Beloved Toronto Star As Toronto Bids To Bolster Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Per Insider

“You save the money of Bo, and then you put it into Tucker. Tucker in left, [Daulton] Varsho in center, Barger in right, Santander DH,” Gosse analyzed.

Moreover, Santander comes on the scene only if George Springer is not in the conversation, though. If Springer is there, he can become the DH or can be moved around against lefties or righties. In such an instance, we will have both Springer and Santander in the lineup.

All this while, the Jays’ outfield requirements are only increasing, because their infield is already overflowing with Guerrero Jr., Clement, Barger, Giménez, and Okamoto, and that’s where King Tuck can fit in best.

Plus, both Springer and Varsho are in their contract years. This means their outfield need will become even more pressing in 2027. Tucker’s lefty-powered impact bat would surely make the Jays a formidable force in the big leagues. However, the familiarity between Bichette and the Blue Jays cannot be denied, either.

So, if the Jays go on to sign both, they may offer a short-term, high-AAV deal to Kyle Tucker to keep the payroll in check, something that the former Cub would be okay with. Whatever the scenario is, the Jays’ next season will be wild.