The Toronto Blue Jays are facing a franchise-altering offseason dilemma that could define their competitive window for the next decade. At the front and center of it all is their home-grown cornerstone, Bo Bichette, and arguably the best free agent, Kyle Tucker. However, after a long saga, many believe the Blue Jays may want to have a final verdict before either of the two MLB stars slips from their grip.

“It feels odd that Kyle Tucker to Toronto both feels inevitable and also not even close to a deal,” Jays Digest host Nick Gosse summed up the dilemma in the latest episode. “The Jays could go the route of giving him $400 million with opt-outs throughout the contract. But how beneficial is that to the Toronto Blue Jays? That’s the big question mark.

“If he (Tucker) wants a longer-term deal, the Jays make more sense. If he wants a shorter term with a higher AAV, there are rumors out there that the Jays don’t really want that.”

Despite Tucker being a consensus top free agent available, things have been surprisingly quiet. Although he did go to meet the top brass for the Blue Jays at their spring training facility, the only update, according to John Schneider, is that the one-and-a-half-hour meeting went well. But can that alone make or break his case for Toronto?

The Jays could put a $400 million bet on the Tampa native, but the opt-out condition may not be what they’re looking for, as they want a franchise pillar and not a short-term solution.

Meanwhile, Toronto’s push for Bo Bichette only makes the case more complicated.

“Bo has been a part of this team throughout his career; it’s home for him,” Edward Rogers shared while speaking with the Toronto Star’s Gregor Chisholm. “I’m hopeful we have the best, most competitive team we can. I’m not part of that decision-making; that’s (general manager) Ross (Atkins) and Mark, and we’re working hard to try to figure that out.”

Just a few days ago, Blue Jays broadcaster Buck Martinez gave his verdict, saying that he believes Bichette has an eight out of ten chances of returning to Toronto. This is despite the shortstop rejecting the team’s offer for a one-year extension.

It’s been well known that the Blue Jays are hoping to reunite with the franchise-grown infielder. In fact, many around the league have believed all along that this is where things will ultimately land. However, there are some speculations that the Blue Jays could bring in both Kyle Tucker and Bichette.

The reality, though, is that they will likely have to choose between the two. Already, Toronto’s odds of signing Kyle Tucker appear low.

The Blue Jays could lose Kyle Tucker to their AL rival

Insider Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report recently updated that he sees Kyle Tucker ending up with the Yankees. As per Kelly, the Yankees are expected to lead the race for Tucker. They could potentially offer him a 10-year, $360 million deal that includes a player opt-out after the 2029 season. The deal is roughly in line with what most expect him to command.

“The Yankees remain an interesting potential landing spot for Tucker, who seemingly would thrive playing 81 games a season at Yankee Stadium,” Kelly noted. “The defending AL Champion Blue Jays may prove to be the best landing spot for Tucker, though perhaps we’re putting too much stock in the Tampa native making the relatively close trip to Dunedin.”

The Blue Jays certainly have the alternatives if Kyle Tucker slips away.

Cody Bellinger looms as a potential fallback if the Jays are focused on adding an outfielder. Some may even argue that he should be prioritized over Kyle Tucker. All things considered, it’s not a case of Tucker or nothing for the Jays.