Players like Kyle Tucker don’t just happen in free agency often. He is a five-year tool prime-age talent and will not turn 29 till the new year. He is one of the best right fielders in the game. His WAR totals since 2021 are above 4 – a badge of consistency. Such players don’t change lineups; they change divisions. That is why the Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Yankees are now locked in on a full-blown war for the star, even though a projected 10-year, $360 million price tag looms over their heads.

Now, from the get-go, it seemed like Jays had the edge, given Tucker even visited their Dunedin complex. But the Yankees are looking to break that championship curse, and you bet they know pairing Aaron Judge and Tucker would shake the league.

The Yanks know they need Tucker, especially during postseason, and everyone knows about Judge’s slump. It is infamous, and the weight of him just carrying the offense has been bad! Now, Nick Ashbourne has alerted the Jays.

“New York has made the playoffs in eight of the last nine seasons, and the return of Gerrit Cole could elevate the team’s pitching staff next season. Aaron Judge remains a superhuman offensive producer who needs more around him, but the Yankees are likely to add at least one more notable bat.”

The Toronto Blue Jays are exploring trades from their outfield depth, even if it means parting with players who proved their worth when the stakes were the highest.

There are three names that the Jays could cut, starting with Nathan Lukes.

He homered a two-run double in Game 1 of the ALDS against the Yankees to extend the Jays’ lead in a 10-1 win. Then there is Myles Straw, who has become a player of great importance in center field. And apart from him legitimately getting pitched for a Gold Glove, he is also called the clubhouse “glue guy.” In fact, during the postseason, Bo Bichette and Louis Varland said that Straw was the most important player in the clubhouse.

Then there is Joey Loperfido, who delivered timely hits in the ALCS. Given that he has five years of team control, he is a prime trade candidate. Not to mention, he spent most of 2025 behind an outfield logjam, giving the Jays more reason to trade him off.

Sure, Toronto won’t move everyone, as depth does matter. But they also know that if the Yankees land Tucker, the balance of power completely shifts.

Even then, if the Blue Jays push all their buttons on Kyle Tucker, they might lose on Bo Bichette.

Blue Jays’ Bo Bichette homecoming in danger!

For a long time, Bo Bichette’s homecoming in Toronto felt obvious. He spent seven seasons with them, got multiple All-Star appearances, and is a fan favorite. But now, suddenly, that sense of certainty is fading, and the Atlanta Braves are suddenly in the picture.

Atlanta has been aggressive this offseason, having added Robert Suarez and Mike Yastrzemski while also getting back Raisel Iglesias on a $16 million deal. Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos has made it clear – he is willing to spend. This matters here because the Braves still have a major need in the infield.

If Ha-Seong Kim doesn’t come back, the Braves could be shopping for a shortstop, and given the market is thin, Bichette is high on their radar. And this is where things get tricky for Jays.

Insider Jon Morosi suggested that the Braves could be a top suitor for Bichette if the Jays stack all their resources elsewhere, namely on Tucker. Plus, to be realistic, the Jays may not not be able to sign both players, as they would command $200 million-plus contracts. So, if the Jays prioritize Tucker, the Braves would start a bidding war for Bichette.

And it’s easy to understand why.

Bichette is a two-time all-star with a career 121 wRC+, and he has had a bounce-back year this time after a down 2024. He hit .311 with 181 hits, 44 doubles, and 94 RBIs over 139 games.

Now, it all comes down to money and timing. If the Jays hesitate a little, Atlanta may pounce. Look at the Mets and Edwin Diaz – an exit even the Mets front office didn’t expect!