"While Toronto is very clearly involved in the markets for both players, it's worth remembering that the Blue Jays already have a luxury tax payroll of around $282MM, according to RosterResource. Adding Tucker or Bichette and a $25-40MM annual salary to the books would push them past the highest threshold of the luxury tax, which sits at $304MM and carries with it the steepest penalties for going over."
"Bichette is the familiar pick, and it's hard to argue with his impact on the team. A three-run homer off Shohei Ohtani Bichette hit while playing through injury in Game 7 of this year's World Series nearly made the Jays champions and that was just one piece of the .348/.444/.478 performance he turned in across seven Fall Classic games despite being hobbled on the bases and in the field. While an injury-marred and deeply disappointing season for Bichette in 2024"
The Blue Jays have been the most aggressive team in free agency this winter, highlighted by a seven-year deal for Dylan Cease. Toronto remains strongly connected to top free agents Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette. Bichette has spent his entire career with Toronto and wants to stay, while Tucker appears likely to leave the Cubs and recently met with the Jays in Dunedin. Toronto's luxury-tax payroll is about $282 million, and adding a $25–40 million annual contract would push the payroll past the $304 million top luxury-tax threshold with steep penalties. The club may be unable to sign both players, and Bichette has a strong career offensive track record despite a down 2024 and notable World Series performance while injured.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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