The Toronto Blue Jays were dealt a gut punch on Thursday night when free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker signed a four-year deal worth $240 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

It seemed as if the Blue Jays prioritized Tucker over incumbent free agent Bo Bichette, and without him, they are left with a handful of questions as they try to repeat as American League Champions.

Just because they prioritized Tucker doesn't mean they can't come back to Bichette's camp and try to make late in-roads there. The two sides obviously have a relationship that goes back a decade, and Bichette said at the conclusion of 2025 that he wanted to be back.

Is the relationship damaged because the Blue Jays didn't pursue him hard enough? Are the Philadelphia Phillies really the favorite to sign him as has been reported, or can the Jays sneak back in the conversation?

If there are hard feelings, how much more of a financial sweetener can the Jays provide to cover those up? Can they be covered up?

And from the other side: Do the Jays even want him back, even after missing out on Tucker?

Signed to a five-year deal worth more than $90 million before last season, 2025 was essentially a lost year for the switch-hitting slugger. As of this moment, the Blue Jays offense is worse than it was at the end of 2025, but if Santander can become the 44-home run slugger they paid for again, the offense will be just fine, even without Tucker and Bichette.

If Tucker and Bichette aren't here taking up every day roles, then manager John Schneider has a lot of options in front of him, and he'll certainly take advantage of his possibilities and flexibility. 

We know that Andres Gimenez will play shortstop and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will play center first. We also know that Daulton Varsho will play center. It's presumed that George Springer and Santander will split an outfield and a DH role.

Beyond that?

Addison Barger, Ernie Clement and Kazuma Okamoto could all see time at third base. Clement and Davis Schneider can also play second base.

Barger, Okamoto, Myles Straw, Joey Loperfido and Nathan Lukes are all options in the outfield, as is Schneider.

And of course, if that's too many names, there's always the chance that somebody gets dealt for a prospect. 

The Blue Jays report for spring training on Feb. 11.

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