This has been a productive offseason for the Toronto Blue Jays. Following their heartbreaking loss in the World Series, they made the first big free agent splash by signing Dylan Cease. Bringing Cody Ponce back to MLB from Korea was universally praised, and likewise for the addition of Tyler Rogers to the bullpen.
However, this has been a disappointing last couple of days for the Jays. After seeming like the favorite to sign four-time All-Star Kyle Tucker, he instead took a massive short-term deal from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Then, even though rumors pointed to a reunion, homegrown star Bo Bichette inked a deal on Friday to bring his talents to the New York Mets.
Clearly, the team is willing to make one more major move and is open to spending big to do it. With that in mind, let’s look at seven players the Blue Jays could target in response to losing the Tucker and Bichette sweepstakes this week.
Sign Cody Bellinger
Since they were very interested in signing Tucker to improve the outfield, pivoting to a pursuit of New York Yankees star Cody Bellinger is logical. While not quite as good as Tucker, he is still an impactful hitter who also brings defensive versatility. Furthermore, adding his bat to the lineup also takes him away from a top rival.
Trade for Ketel Marte
While the Arizona Diamondbacks recently stated they don’t plan on trading star second baseman Ketel Marte now, a motivated pursuit from the Blue Jays could change that. Bichette is an elite hitter from the infield, and his loss will be felt. However, Marte is the only other player at the position who can bring just as good numbers at the plate. The big question is, will Toronto have the trade assets that appeal to Arizona?
Trade for Freddy Peralta
The Blue Jays seem pretty set with their rotation after adding Cease and Ponce. However, you can never have enough elite arms when chasing a championship. It would not be a terrible idea if the club decides to pivot to adding another major pitcher this offseason. If they did, Milwaukee Brewers ace Freddy Peralta should be a target.
If Milwaukee sees value in Jose Berrios, the two-time All-Star could be part of a sizable trade package. While a deal is a risk since Peralta is in the final year of his contract, it would be a worthwhile one to chase a ‘chip since he is only making $8 million in 2026.
Trade for Byron Buxton
Another intriguing option to improve the outfield would be Minnesota Twins star Byron Buxton. The word around the league is that the Twins are open to slashing payroll and trading key players if the price is right. If the Blue Jays fail to sign Bellinger, the two-time All-Star makes sense as the next best target who could be added this winter.
Trade for Brendan Donovan
Another impact player that has already been linked to the Blue Jays in trade rumors is St. Louis Cardinals All-Star Brendan Donovan. Now, with Bichette off the board, the super utilityman would be an affordable replacement that brings strong defense and versatility.
Trade for Ramon Laureano and Mason Miller
Similar to the Twins, the San Diego Padres are another team looking to slash payroll this offseason for the right deal. Two players that are rumored to be available are slugging outfielder Ramon Laureano and fireballer Mason Miller.
Laureano would be a solid consolation prize to improve the outfield and get some more thump from the lineup, while Miller brings an elite arm out of the pen to go along with Rogers and Jeff Hoffman in the late innings. They won’t come cheap, but the Jays should have enough trade assets to get a deal done.
