The Toronto Blue Jays are at the center of attention in the MLB world. First, Shane Bieber returned via his player option rather than cash a $75 million payday. Then, they added the dynamic duo of Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce, solidifying their starting rotation. Toronto has also signed a couple of depth players while speculation surrounding Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker swirls.
Not to mention that the Blue Jays are still seeking to improve their bullpen. On that front, they are in the mix for Edwin Diaz and at least one other free agent closer. They could also engage in trade discussions. Jojo Romero is one southpaw whom the Blue Jays should strongly consider acquiring.
On Saturday, December 6, 2025, the Blue Jays outrighted pitcher Yariel Rodriguez. It was a surprise move that didn’t appear necessary on the team’s part. However, it could be the precursor to the execution of a much bigger plan.
Toronto Blue Jays Clearing Space For Both Bo Bichette & Kyle Tucker?
Several reports on Saturday detailed that Rodriguez had cleared waivers and was moved off the Blue Jays’ 40-man roster. This move has raised eyebrows, particularly after the signings of Cease and Ponce.
“A 40-man roster spot wasn’t immediately needed for the Jays, as the club has only 38 players on their current 40-man,” wrote Mark Polishuk of MLBTradeRumors. “Cody Ponce’s three-year contract has yet to be officially announced, but once that deal is complete, the Jays will now still retain two vacancies on their 40-man with Rodriguez now apparently on his way out.”
“The fact that Toronto has two open 40-man roster spots heading into the Winter Meetings is perhaps a hint that the Jays might be anticipating another new acquisition sooner rather than later.”
What happens next? With the Blue Jays looking at a 38-out-of-40 roster spots locked up, could they sign Bichette and Tucker? One MLB insider wouldn’t count the Blue Jays out in that regard.
Blue Jays Have a History of Willingness to Spend
MLB Insider Jon Heyman wouldn’t put it past the Blue Jays to spend big money on both Bichette and Tucker. During a recorded livestream for Bleacher Report, Heyman offered some perspective on the chances of them signing both players.
“Could they do both? They tried for Ohtani, they tried for Soto, and they offered $600 million plus for Soto,” Heyman said on December 4th, 2025. “Bichette and Tucker, I don’t know if they will add up to $600 million between them. If Tucker gets over $400 million and Bichette gets close to $200 million, there is the $600 million that was going to Soto.”
“They were willing to do Soto and Vlad Guerrero Jr.”
The year after reaching Game 7 of the World Series is the right year to write a blank cheque to every player who improves your team’s chances of winning the championship.
Could the Boston Red Sox Spoil The ‘Both’ Theory?
One wrinkle in this theory is Bichette being linked to the Boston Red Sox.
One MLB insider reported that if the Blue Jays sign Tucker, Bichette will move on to a new team.
“If Tucker signs in Toronto, it would all but officially end Bo Bichette’s tenure north of the border, where he could wind up in Boston,” Bob Nightengale wrote on December 7th.
Nightengale is not the first to report the Red Sox’s interest.
“Retaining free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman is a priority for the Boston Red Sox,” wrote Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal for The Athletic. “But some with the club view Bo Bichette, previously a division rival with the Toronto Blue Jays, as an intriguing alternative.”
However, the Red Sox’s interest dates further back into the middle of November. According to Rob Bradford, Bichette has been linked to Boston alongside Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman.
“According to multiple sources, another name should be added to the Red Sox’s target list: Bo Bichette,” Bradford wrote on November 18, 2025. “Bichette has also thrived at Fenway Park for much of his career, totaling a .327 batting average and .907 OPS in 35 games.”
Bo Bichette’s Connections to the Red Sox
Bradford also lists a few connections to the Red Sox that casual Blue Jays fans may not know.
“The Bichette family does have roots in the Boston Red Sox,” Bradford continued. “With his parents, Dante and Mariana, meeting at the Gold’s Gym on Landsdowne St. The Blue Jays signed current Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow to a minor-league contract in 2018. Breslow spent the majority of that ’18 season with Bichette and the other Jays prospects at Double-A New Hampshire.”
“It would be the lefty reliever’s final stop as a player before entering the Cubs‘ front office.”
Whichever way the cookie crumbles on this saga, it will make for an entertaining winter in Toronto.
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