Blue Jays can pursue these 3 free agents after losing out on Bichette and Tucker

In a span of less than 24 hours, the Toronto Blue Jays and their fans experienced the worst case scenario possible from the free agency frenzy. First of all, they lost out in securing the services of the top free agent available in Kyle Tucker, as it would be the Los Angeles Dodgers of all teams thwarting the Blue Jays once again.

But before Toronto could even have a good night’s sleep, their dreams of a potential reunion with popular fan favourite Bo Bichette were quickly dashed as the New York Mets swooped in to snatch the star shortstop away from the Blue Jays.

In the blink of an eye, the Blue Jays had their top targets stolen, leaving them reeling despite having a solid 2025-26 offseason to date. Yes, Toronto has already landed the likes of Dylan Cease, Tyler Rogers, Cody Ponce and Kazuma Okamoto, but it just doesn’t seem complete without at least one more big move to complete their winter.

As a result, we will take a look at 3 free agents still remaining on the market that the Blue Jays could pivot to after missing out on both Bichette and Tucker.

3 remaining free agents the Blue Jays could pivot to with Bichette and Tucker off the market

3B Eugenio Suárez 

What better way to make up for the great loss than to pick up the most potent bat in the market in Eugenio Suárez. Suárez is coming off a stellar 2025 campaign in which his established career highs in runs scored (91), home runs (49 – tied with his 2019 campaign) and RBIs (118).

With the ability to put up more than 90 runs scored, 30 home runs and 90 RBIs on a yearly basis while having an OPS close to .800, the 12-year veteran would add some tremendous pop into the Blue Jays lineup that already contains Vladimir Guerrero Jr., George Springer, Anthony Santander and the newly-acquired Okamoto.

Aside from his primary position at third base, Suárez can also slot in at first base on days Guerrero needs a rest, as well as the designated hitter spot on days he himself needs a breather from the field. More importantly, being 34 already, the Blue Jays can recruit the star infielder on a shorter-term deal without committing too much resources far into the future like they would have done had they signed Bichette or Tucker.

OF Cody Bellinger

In terms of proven pedigree, Cody Bellinger would be the odds-on favourite as the free agent target that the Blue Jays should pursue. After all, Bellinger is a former two-time All-Star and Silver Slugger winner, along with taking home NL Rookie of the Year, NL MVP and Gold Glove honours over his illustrious nine-year MLB career to date. More significantly, he is a proven winner, having captured the World Series title with the Dodgers back in 2020.

Despite having turned 30 already, Bellinger showed that he is still firmly in his prime after a strong showing with the New York Yankees last year, posting a .272 average, .813 OPS, along with 89 runs scored, 25 doubles, 29 home runs, 98 RBIs and 13 stolen bases in 152 games played.

On top of that, being a left-handed hitter, he would help provide more balance in the Blue Jays lineup going forward as well. To cap it off, stealing him away from New York to spurn their division rival Yankees would perhaps be enough to detract Blue Jays fans from their lingering disappointment in missing out on the “big two”.

P Framber Valdez

Since the Blue Jays haven’t had as much luck landing big free agent bats this winter aside from Okamoto, perhaps they should just load up on pitching and just outduel any team, including the Dodgers, with an unstoppable starting rotation.

With that in mind, Toronto should surprise everyone and land the top free agent pitcher left in the market in Framber Valdez. After all, Valdez has been one of the top pitchers in the league during the past few seasons. He has recorded double digits in wins, as well as maintaining an ERA below 3.70, a ground ball rate above 54% and registering a bWAR of 17.3 for his past five seasons.

More importantly, by adding Valdez to the Blue Jays starting five, Toronto could potentially have five aces in their rotation as he joins Shane Bieber, Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman and Trey Yesavage/José Berríos. In doing so, it would also give the Blue Jays a stacked relief corps that would suddenly have Ponce, Yesavage/Berríos, and 2025 season saviour Eric Lauer.

Toronto would end up having one of the most expensive pitching staffs in all of baseball, but one that could practically pitch their way to a World Series championship as a result.