Insider Projects 2 Massive Free Agent Signings for Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays came this close to winning the World Series this year, but if some free agency projections are correct, they have no intention of coming up short again in 2026. MLB Insider Bob Nightengale has made the bold prediction of pegging the Blue Jays as the favorites to sign each of the No. 1 free agent position players, and the No. 1 available pitcher.

He has the Blue Jays listed as the winning bidders for outfielder Kyle Tucker as well as starter Framber Valdez.

This would be a major coup for the Jays should it come to fruition, but also a very costly one. Tucker is projected by ESPN to land a free agent deal worth 11 years, $418 million, while Valdez is pegged at 6 years, $168 million.

Toronto showed this past year that it’s not afraid to spend big, as Rogers, the telecommunications giant that owns the club, authorized a $500 million deal to re-sign its own homegrown star, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. They saw the payoff almost instantly (even before the 14-year mega deal kicks in in 2026), as Vladdy put on an epic postseason performance, helping lead the Jays (along with a superb supporting cast) to within an inch or two of becoming World Series champions.

Tucker is a five tool outfielder who would make the league’s top batting order even more dangerous, and would fit right in with their hitting philosophy, while taking over right field and allowing George Springer to concentrate on DHing.

The Toronto starting rotation could lose two key pieces in free agents Chris Bassitt and Max Scherzer, but Valdez would more than make up for that. He’d fit the team perfectly as well, relying on the strong infield defense to handle Valdez’s highest ground ball rate in baseball over the last five years.

With Bo Bichette potentially leaving in free agency, and Springer’s contract up after ‘26, the Jays would theoretically have lots of money to spend on trying to land a couple of big fish like these.