Blue Jays insider points major upside of signing Bo Bichette over Kyle Tucker

As they look to build on the success of 2025, the Toronto Blue Jays continue to be linked with Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker, two of the most highly-regarded free agents on the market.

Though potentially signing both is undoubtedly the dream scenario for fans, it is looking increasingly likely that the Jays will have to pick one of the two.

While many consider Tucker to be the No. 1 free agent of the winter, insider Keegan Matheson of MLB.com is of the opinion that going with Bichette may be the best course of action for the organization, as it leaves the door open to add a few more important pieces to the roster.

"(Signing) Bo (Bichette) is probably not the end of your offseason," Matheson said (Timestamp: 9:58). "If they sign Kyle Tucker, okay, shut it down. You might grab another reliever for two million bucks, a backup catcher, whatever. If you go out on this market and sign Kyle Tucker, that's all your cash. You already got Dylan Cease, best pitcher on the market, best hitter on the market, you have done enough. And one of the best relievers. "But if you go out and sign Bo Bichette, there's room for a little bit more, I think. Especially with the money Rogers has, because we all know they do. This is not insider take, anyone who lives in Canada knows Rogers has some cash. If you land Bo Bichette, I would still look to the outfield with a longer-term solution. There's more needs on this team, and if you go for Bo Bichette, you have that little bit of room that you need."

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Insider estimates Bo Bichette's contract ceiling

On Dec. 1's episode of "Toronto Sports Rush," Matheson had his say on Bo Bichette's contract ceiling.

"What's his average annual value at this point?" Matheson said (Timestamp: 14:40). "So, if he is getting, let's say, an eight-year deal, I don't think you want Bo until he's 40. But if you're going to sign him until he's 35, 30 on an 8-year deal, are you comfortable giving him 25 a year? Eight for 200. Is that the ceiling of where this goes?"

World Series - Toronto Blue Jays v Los Angeles Dodgers - Game Five - Source: Getty

Further, Matheson explained why he thinks paying top dollar for Bichette will be well worth it.

"Bo is very much a quiet leader," Matheson added. "No one in the world has taken more ground balls or more batting practice rounds than Bo Bichette over the last six, seven years in MLB. He's a machine, and I think that any organization that has him in that clubhouse is immediately better."

Bichette's importance for the Blue Jays was clear for all to see in 2025. Ending the regular season with a .311 batting average, 18 home runs and 94 RBIs, the infielder played a starring role as the Jays won the AL East for the first time since 2015.

Edited by Raghav Mehta