The Blue Jays could pivot from Tucker to Bellinger and sign this reported contract

"The Toronto Blue Jays have been closely linked with free-agent outfielder Kyle Tucker all offseason. With his market slow to develop, until recently, the organization may be better suited to pivot to Cody Bellinger, who has been offered a more affordable contract than the one Tucker is expected to sign."

"The team's payroll is just over $300, meaning any signing would subject them to a 90% Competitive Balance Tax (CBT). They have surpassed the 30% tax levied on teams with a payroll of $244 million or more, so the front office needs to be confident that the next player they sign can take them over the top. The Blue Jays have been interested in Bellinger over the past few offseasons, and he may be a better fit than Tucker, as that would allow the franchise more financial flexibility going forward."

"USA Today journalist Bob Nightengale posted on X on Monday that the New York Yankees have offered Bellinger a five-year contract worth between $155 and $160 million without deferrals. The post goes on to mention that Bellinger is seeking a contract length of at least seven years, and that this standoff is continuing with one month until spring training reporting dates."

The Toronto Blue Jays have been linked to Kyle Tucker, who reportedly seeks a seven-year, $300–$400 million deal and has a Mets offer reportedly worth $50 million per season. Toronto's payroll sits just over $300 million, which would expose the club to a 90% Competitive Balance Tax on additional signings after already exceeding the 30% tax threshold. Cody Bellinger is a lower-cost alternative, with the Yankees reported to have offered five years at $155–$160 million while Bellinger seeks at least seven years. Financial flexibility is central to the Blue Jays' offseason decision-making.

Read at Jays Journal