Blue Jays poised to make Kolten Wong an offseason priority

The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly poised to make free agent Kolten Wong an offseason priority at second base.

According to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network, the Blue Jays are prepared to focus their attention on free agent second baseman Kolten Wong if DJ LeMahieu returns to the New York Yankees. Morosi states that many in the industry expect that LeMahieu will re-up with the Yanks.

In Wong, the Blue Jays would improve their overall infield defence as the 30-year old has taken home Gold Glove honours the past two seasons. The infielder hit .265/.350/.326 with 48 hits in 53 games this season. In 2019, Wong hit .285/.361/.423 with 136 hits including 11 home runs and 24 stolen bases in 148 games at second base.

The free agency market has been slow to develop thus far, however, the Blue Jays have been linked to just about anyone with a pulse. They signed pitcher Robbie Ray at the beginning of the month but have yet to do ink anyone on the dotted line since that signing.

More from Toronto Blue Jays Rumors

• Kyle Schwarber an ideal fit for the Blue Jays lineup
• Blue Jays: Could a 12-year old be the franchise’s future star shortstop?
• Blue Jays: Potential replacements for Marcus Semien
• Blue Jays: Time for an Old-Fashioned MLB Player for Player Trade?
• Are The Blue Jays Looking To Add Another Power Bat?

Wong would afford the Blue Jays some positional flexibility with Cavan Biggio who in all likelihood would become an everyday outfielder if the team does in fact sign either LeMahieu or Wong. During his eight-year MLB career with the St. Louis Cardinals, Wong has played all but 16 games on defence at second base, in 2016 he patrolled the outfield for a handful of games and was perfect in 26 chances at all three outfield positions.

The former first-round selection earned $10.25 million, however, the Cardinals opted not to exercise his $12.5 million dollar option for the 2021 season. MLB Trade Rumors tabbed Wong as the 25th best available free agent and predicted he would ink a 2-year/ $16 million dollar deal with the Boston Red Sox this offseason.

LeMahieu definitely provides more offensive upside but the defensive upside Wong possesses cannot be overlooked. He would be a solid signing who would also increase the team speed while anchoring the right side of the infield.