In response to their heartbreaking World Series loss, a top MLB insider predicts the Toronto Blue Jays will sign two of the top players available in MLB free agency this winter.
It was right at their fingertips. For the first time since 1993, the Blue Jays were going to win the World Series. They had the lead in the ninth inning of Game 7 and were set to topple the juggernaut that is the Los Angeles Dodgers, but they could not seal the deal. Suffering a crippling loss in one of the best World Series of all time.
In the days since, many have wondered how they would respond to the crushing defeat. Especially since the organization has been very aggressive in free agency the last few years. Well, USA TODAY MLB insider Bob Nightengale is predicting big things for Toronto this winter.
In a new predictions piece for all the best players available, Nightengale believes the Blue Jays will land the man “widely considered the best player on the free agent market,” Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs All-Star Kyle Tucker.
Kyle Tucker stats: .266 AVG, .377 OBP, .464 SLG, .841 OPS, 22 HR, 73 RBI, 91 R, 25 SB
The four-time All-Star is expected to get a deal worth around $400 million. He would be a big addition and slot in next to Daulton Varsho and Anthony Santander in a talented outfield in 2026. However, he wasn’t the only big-name free agent Nightengale expected the Jays to sign.
Bob Nightengale predicts the Toronto Blue Jays sign Framber Valdez
The Blue Jays will need to fill two spots in their rotation this winter. Max Scherzer likely will retire or play elsewhere, and Shane Bieber is expected to get better offers from rival clubs. However, Nightengale believes Toronto will replace one of those slots with another Astros veteran
Along with landing Kyle Tucker in free agency, the MLB insider predicts the team will be the one that wins the sweepstakes for two-time All-Star Framber Valdez. The eight-year veteran would be a great addition to a rotation featuring Kevin Gausman, young star Trey Yesavage, and a returning Jose Berrios next season.
- Framber Valdez stats: 13-11 record, 3.66 ERA, 1.245 WHIP, 187 SO, 68 BB, 192.0 IP
Valdez is projected to land a deal between six and seven years and ranging from $170 to $190 million this offseason.
