Blue Jays reportedly expressing interest in another shortstop

The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly casting a wide net this offseason as they attempt to improve upon the overall team defence.

According to Bob Elliott of the Canadian Baseball Network, the Blue Jays have some degree of interest in free-agent shortstop Andrelton Simmons. The 31-year old has spent the previous five seasons with the Los Angeles Angels after beginning his career with the Braves.

Simmons is a four-time Gold Glove winner and would definitely lend a helping hand to improving the team defence. However, at what cost to the psyche of Bo Bichette who is firmly planted in the trenches at that position.

I think you consider moving Bichette for the likes of Francisco Lindor but it may be a tough sell for Simmons who would be a temporary solution and not a long-term signing. If he comes in as a bench player who can rove around the infield then I am all for it.

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Simmons hit .297 without a homer and two stolen bases in 30 games last season for the halos. In 2019, the shortstop .264/.309/.364 with seven home runs, ten swipes and a 1.9 WAR in 103 games. His last Gold Glove honours came in 2018 but he is still an absolute stud as a defender.

The native of Curacao earned $15 million last season and is projected by MLB Trade Rumors to land with the New York Yankees on a one-year/$12 million dollar pact. The site ranked him 17th on the list of the best available 50 free agents.

There were rumblings at the trade deadline last season that the Blue Jays may have inquired about his services as well, however, trade talks obviously did not gain any traction.

Simmons would improve the product on the field defensively but at what cost to Bichette who looks more than capable of handling the position for the long term. Perhaps, the Blue Jays can convince the former Angel to slide over to the hot corner and leave Bo at short.

The hot stove is cooking with plenty of rumours to fuel the offseason baseball fire.