The Toronto Blue Jays introduced their newest free agent splash Kazuma Okamoto to the media on Tuesday, and the Japanese star immediately endeared himself to his chosen North American city. He even said his daughter chose the Blue Jays logo as her favourite of all 30 teams.
But Okamoto’s signing has left a couple of big question marks around the club as well. With the Japanese slugger likely manning third base, what would happen to Ernie Clement’s role IF Bo Bichette were to return and play second base?
And—WILL Bichette return?
That’s where insider Ken Rosenthal’s latest intel comes into play. Appearing on the Foul Territory podcast on Tuesday, Rosenthal said it’s “increasingly unlikely” that Bichette re-signs in Toronto.
Rosenthal was asked if Clement could be pushed out of a regular lineup spot this season.
“Only if they re-sign Bichette, which, in my opinion, is increasingly unlikely,” Rosenthal responded.
“I see Okamoto being the third baseman primarily, as long as they feel he can play that position and he is thought to be at least least average there. And then, Clement plays second, and the big move, it would seem to me, is (Kyle) Tucker, for them.”
Tucker is the big fish in this year’s free agent pond. He’s a five-tool outfielder who many consider a superstar. Yet, this would be a painful outcome for many Jays fans, who have watched Bichette develop and grow into an impact player over his seven years with the team. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. & Bo Bichette: they were supposed to be together for their entire careers.
One Toronto restaurant, in fact, came out this week with a ‘Steak for Life’ offer to Bo if he stays north of the border:
What happens to Ernie Clement & Addison Barger if Blue Jays’ free agent spending continues?
In addition, all of this talk about Tucker-not-Bichette does open up another can of worms which Rosenthal doesn’t address. What happens, then, to Addison Barger? If Okamoto is at third, and Tucker is in right field, where does their 2025 breakout power bat Barger play?
This all could lead to some uncomfortable roster moves, such as a potential trade of a beloved player who was a big part in the Jays’ thrilling World Series run in 2025.
For now, everyone around Toronto is exhilarated about the Blue Jays’ big, bold offseason. But between losing Bichette, and/or the trading of a young gun, there could be some heart-wrenching times ahead, too.
