Case against Toronto Blue Jays signing free agent Kyle Tucker
Photo credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The Toronto Blue Jays have been connected to the offseason's biggest free agent. But will he make the team better?
There's no question Kyle Tucker can hit. His five straight seasons of at least 22 home runs is what's made him this offseason's top free agent, but it doesn't tell the story.
And while many analysts still label Toronto as the favourites to land Tucker, he might not be the best fit
Finally, a PDC visit John Schneider can talk about.
What happened when Kyle Tucker toured the Blue Jays Player Development Complex in Dunedin?
«It was pretty cool to hear him talk about that part of his game.» #Sportsnet
What happened when Kyle Tucker toured the Blue Jays Player Development Complex in Dunedin?
«It was pretty cool to hear him talk about that part of his game.» #Sportsnet
The Blue Jays seem content with George Springer as the designated hitter. This means that should Tucker come to Toronto, centre fielder Daulton Varsho would be flanked by Anthony Santander in LF and Tucker in RF.
Even if Springer occasionally replaces either of them, it's not the same as having Nathan Lukes and Addison Barger roaming the grass.
While Tucker did win a Gold Glove in 2022, his defensive metrics have declined since then, with his advanced stats like Outs Above Average and Defensive Runs Saved well below average.
His 2025 OAA was -2. Not great for a team that prides itself on defence.
Speaking of Barger, if the Blue Jays were to sign Tucker, it would force Barger into essentially an everyday third baseman, or at the very least a platoon situation.
While the 26-year old is more than capable of handling the position, it would create a ripple effect of pushing Gold Glove nominee Ernie Clement to the bench.
Bo Bichette the wild card
The wild card in all of this is of course Bo Bichette.
If the free agent ends up signing elsewhere, that would somewhat solve the Blue Jays problems as Andres Gimenez could slide over to short, while Clement could take over everyday duties at second.
If Bichette does re-sign however, it would create a logjam and turn Clement into a super-sub.
But as the old saying goes, these things have a way of working themselves out.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 11 | 274 ANSWERS Case against Toronto Blue Jays signing free agent Kyle Tucker Should the Blue Jays sign Kyle Tucker | ||
| Yes | 129 | 47.1 % |
| Yes, but only if Bo doesn't come back | 57 | 20.8 % |
| Sign Bo first | 77 | 28.1 % |
| No | 11 | 4 % |
| List of polls | ||