Here’s a bold statement: The Toronto Blue Jays just lost Bo Bichette to a staggering $126 million deal with the Mets, and it’s left fans reeling. But here’s where it gets controversial—this might actually be a blessing in disguise. Why? Because it opens the door for the Jays to pursue Cody Bellinger, a player who could be the perfect fit to fill the void in their lineup. And this is the part most people miss: Bellinger’s agent, Scott Boras, might just be waiting for Toronto to step up with a competitive offer.
Let’s rewind for a moment. The Blue Jays had their eyes on Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette, two of the biggest names in the free-agent market. But the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets swooped in, signing Tucker and Bichette to short-term deals, respectively. While it’s a tough pill to swallow for Toronto fans, the Jays are far from out of options. They still need a big bat, and Bellinger could be the answer.
But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: The New York Yankees have reportedly offered Bellinger a five-year, $155-160 million deal, and they’re standing firm. According to Bill Madden of the New York Daily News, the Yankees aren’t budging, even in the face of the Dodgers’ massive Tucker contract. This is great news for the Blue Jays, as it potentially clears the path for them to swoop in with a more appealing offer—perhaps a seven-year deal that Bellinger’s camp is rumored to be seeking.
Scott Boras, Bellinger’s agent, is famously known for waiting for ‘one dumb owner’ to up the ante. But if the Yankees are unwilling to engage in a bidding war, Toronto could be that team. With George Springer and Daulton Varsho coming off the books next year, the Jays have the financial flexibility to make a splash. And let’s not forget: Bellinger had a better 2025 season than Tucker, with 29 home runs, 98 RBIs, and a .272 batting average compared to Tucker’s 22 home runs, 73 RBIs, and .266 average.
Here’s the controversial part: While Tucker has been the more consistent offensive player over the past four years, Bellinger’s recent performance suggests he could be the better short-term investment. Paying him Tucker’s AAV might not be the smartest move, but a seven-year deal at a slightly lower annual value could be a win-win for both sides.
And what about Bo Bichette? His $126 million deal with the Mets includes opt-outs after years one and two. If he has a standout 2026 season, he could re-enter the free-agent market as one of the top players available. With Springer and Varsho off the books, the Blue Jays could bring Bichette back home, reuniting him with the team that drafted him. It’s a long shot, but it’s not impossible.
So, is Cody Bellinger the next best fit for the Blue Jays? It’s a question that’s sparking debate among fans and analysts alike. What do you think? Is Bellinger worth a seven-year deal, or should the Jays hold out for a potential Bichette reunion? Let us know in the comments—this is one discussion you won’t want to miss.
