The Toronto Blue Jays are aggressively pursuing the top free agent, Tucker, while the prospects for Bichette's contract renewal look bleak.

Following the signings of ace starter Dylan Cease, reliever Tyler Rogers, KBO import Cody Ponce, and the recent addition of Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto, the Toronto Blue Jays remain keen on pursuing this winter’s top free agent — Kyle Tucker.

According to The Athletic’s reporter Mitch Bannon, the Blue Jays have “stepped up” their efforts to sign Tucker. Although the four-time All-Star outfielder has been linked with several teams, Bannon notes that Toronto’s recruitment has become “more aggressive” recently. Their strongest competition likely comes from the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets — MLB Network insider Jim Duquette revealed that these two teams are also vigorously chasing Tucker.

Meanwhile, Bannon reports that a contract extension with Bo Bichette “seems increasingly unlikely.” Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic expressed a similar view during yesterday’s Foul Territory show.

Even if Bichette may no longer have a place on the only team he has played for in his career, his market remains hot. MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reported on January 3 that the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Boston Red Sox are all interested in him.

The Athletic confirmed today the Cubs’ interest in Bichette and reported that the team is still in contact with Alex Bregman to strengthen their third base defense. The report also mentioned that the Red Sox are among the teams negotiating with both Bregman and Bichette simultaneously.

Although the Blue Jays and Arizona Diamondbacks were previously seen as the biggest threats to the Red Sox’s efforts to re-sign Bregman, Toronto likely exited the race after signing Kazuma Okamoto recently. This leaves the Diamondbacks as the main contender for Bregman, but the situation could change if Arizona removes Ketel Marte from the trade market.

According to MLB.com reporter Mark Feinsand, while several teams continue to monitor Bregman’s status, multiple major league executives believe the three-time All-Star will ultimately return to Boston. ESPN recently reported that the Red Sox “are willing” to offer Bregman a large contract, potentially close to the six-year, $171.5 million deal offered by the Detroit Tigers last year.

The Cubs have shown interest in Bregman since last offseason, but sources believe they are unlikely to be the highest bidder. However, an American League executive did not rule out the Cubs, describing the Red Sox and Cubs as “the primary competitors” in the Bregman bidding war.

Notably, the Cubs have addressed their starting pitching needs at a relatively low financial cost by trading with the Miami Marlins to acquire controllable right-handed starter Edward Cabrera.