The Toronto Blue Jays have committed $337 million to four players this offseason, yet their pursuit of Kyle Tucker could be more than double that amount.
While the Dylan Cease (seven years, $210 million), Cody Ponce (three years, $30 million), and Tyler Rogers (three years, $37 million) deals significantly improve their pitching staff, their latest signing has reportedly made a bigger impact.
According to The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon in his column on Tuesday, Jan. 6, the Blue Jays’ signing of Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto to a four-year, $60 million contract has made them more likely to sign Kyle Tucker, projected to make $400 million this winter, rather than bring back Bo Bichette.
“The Toronto Blue Jays remain linked to All-Star hitters Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker. Although league sources said the Jays have increased their efforts to recruit Tucker, who remains a roster fit after the signing of Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto, a reunion with Bichette appears increasingly unlikely,” he wrote.
Blue Jays’ Payroll to Shoot Past Tax Threshold
Bannon reported that the Blue Jays are currently looking at a $304 million payroll. The competitive tax balance threshold is set at $305 million, which means they would be penalized for signing Tucker.
However, the president of baseball operations, Ross Atkins, seems to have the ownership’s support.
“The Jays have clearly been given ownership clearance to spend more than ever before, further investing after a $500 million extension to Guerrero earlier this year. Signing Tucker would raise the payroll even higher,” Atkins said.
Even without Kyle Tucker, the Blue Jays are one of the favorites for the title next year. They came agonizingly short in 2025, losing Game 7 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
