Why Blue Jays should be willing to open checkbook for Kyle Tucker 

Last season, Tucker slashed .266/.377/.464 and hit 22 home runs in 136 regular-season games for the Chicago Cubs. For his efforts, the eighth-year veteran made his fourth All-Star Game and won his second Silver Slugger.

He remained productive in the playoffs. In eight postseason games for the Cubs, he slashed .259/.375/.370 with one home run. That should be no surprise, considering he's a proven playoff performer.

Tucker played a key role for the Houston Astros when they won the World Series in 2022. That postseason, he slashed .204/.298/.408 and belted three homers in 13 games. Two of his dingers came in the Fall Classic against the Philadelphia Phillies, which the Astros won in six games. 

Spotrac estimates Tucker could command a 10-year contract worth $40.2M annually, which would be the third highest in baseball. That could be tough for the Blue Jays to swing. 

Per Spotrac, the Blue Jays will have the third-highest payroll ($245.3M) in baseball in 2026, behind the New York Mets ($247.9M) and the Los Angeles Dodgers ($301.7M). The estimated tax threshold is $244M. With Toronto already above that projected number, it would have to pay fines that would keep increasing as it spent more.

The Blue Jays are also trying to bring back free-agent shortstop Bo Bichette, a two-time All-Star. He has reportedly made it clear he prefers to stay with the team but also wants a payday. Spotrac estimates Bichette's market value is an eight-year deal worth $23.3M annually. 

But to win a championship, teams must spend big. See the Dodgers, who have captured back-to-back World Series titles. Landing a player of Tucker's caliber could help Toronto do that. With that in mind, it should strongly consider splurging on the talented outfielder.