The Toronto Blue Jays have already made two moves in free agency this winter and aren’t slowing down.
After officially landing Dylan Cease and reportedly signing former Pittsburgh Pirate and KBO star Cody Ponce, the only area the Blue Jays may not add to this winter is the rotation. Everything else (except for first base) is fair game.
With general manager Ross Atkins hungry to get back to the World Series and win it next year, the Blue Jays have a lot of money to spend. One of the areas they could add to is the outfield, and Manny Randhawa believes Toronto could pull Cody Bellinger away from the New York Yankees.
“Bellinger could be a perfect fallback option if Tucker signs elsewhere and the Blue Jays must look elsewhere to bolster their lineup,” Randhawa wrote for MLB.com. “It’s clear, based on how busy the Blue Jays have already been since losing Game 7 of the World Series to the Dodgers in extra innings, that Toronto is going all-in to give itself the best chance possible to get back to the Fall Classic. Could the 30-year-old Bellinger end up being part of the blueprint in 2026? Since two trying seasons at the plate with the Dodgers in 2021 and ’22, Bellinger has resuscitated his career and could prove valuable both offensively and defensively for Toronto if the Jays miss out on Tucker.”
Bellinger has been predicted to sign a deal worth $168 million this winter, so the Blue Jays could use the money they save from adding Bellinger to address other areas, including trying to bring back Bo Bichette. Adding Bellinger and Bichette may end up being the better deal for the Blue Jays, as it would improve their overall lineup depth.
If the Blue Jays signed Bellinger, he would give John Schneider the flexibility to play him in any of the three outfield positions. Schneider could then use George Springer as a full-time designated hitter.
More MLB: Phillies Predicted to Sign Kyle Schwarber to $120 Million Deal at Winter Meetings