The Blue Jays are reportedly “in the mix” for a surprising free agent bat

It Toronto Blue Jays could decide not to deal Kyle Tucker and Beau Bichette and sign another top free agent bat.

Toronto has been heavily linked to Tucker and Bichette, and many expect them to sign one of them. However, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan reported that the Blue Jays are in the mix for Alex Bregman. Boston Red Sox.

“I don’t know how well the Arizona thing is going to work,” Pasa said Michael Kay. “I think the Blue Jays blend in there a lot. It’s a little more difficult for them because they had Ernie Clement and Addison Barger at third base. Both worked well there.

“Clement could slide to second and Barger could play right field. Suddenly that would bring out Anthony Santander. I think the Blue Jays understand the chemistry issues and the leadership issues. They benefited greatly from the team they had last year. Alex Bregman is considered a very good club guy. And someone who can become the leader of that team can see how to be the leader of that team.”

Toronto hasn’t been linked to Bregman that much this offseason, so it would be a surprise if he signed there. However, Passan believes the Blue Jays are interested in Bregman and could very well look to sign him to add another leadoff hitter to the lineup.

Bregman is a three-time MLB All-Star.

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What will Bregman get in free agency?

Bregman is one of the best free agents available and should be in for a huge payday.

The star outfielder opted out of one season with the Red Sox so he could get a better deal.

ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel predicted Bregman will sign a five-year, $160 million contract in free agency.

“Age is a big factor in the math teams need to determine the years and price they’re willing to pay to sign free agents. So the five years likely happen if Bregman completes his desire to get a longer-term deal. I think teams with real interest would be fine with roughly $30 million in AAV for four or five years,” McDaniel. wrote.

“My best guess is that the negotiations will end there, as Bregman is the most consistent hitter option behind Tucker (at least 14% above league average as a hitter over his career), with no real age, defense or consistency issues holding back other players competing for similar pay.”

Bregman hit .273 with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs last season with the Red Sox.

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The Blue Jays want to stay competitive

Toronto made it to the World Series last season, and the team looks to continue that success moving forward.

Blue Jays owner Edward Rogers said the team will continue to spend and be a competitive team for years to come.

“I would say what we saw during the playoffs was Bo did well during the World Series,” Rodgers. said Toronto Star’s Gregor Chisholm. “But a lot of our players showed up and I’m finding teams that have deep tracks. Obviously, the stars are shining. but many other people need to shine to be a competitive team. And we have amazing depth.”

Blue Jays have the sixth best odds +1500 to win the World Series.

Cole Shelton Cole Shelton covers the NHL, MLB and the Cleveland Browns for Heavy.com. He has covered professional and college sports since 2016 including BJ Penn, USA Today, SB Nation, Rotowire, Canadian Baseball Network and more. More on Cole Shelton