Blue Jays reportedly chasing the wrong AL East rival outfielder in latest rumor drop

As many fans await a big move from the Blue Jays, rumors continue to swirl about who Toronto is interested in bringing in. The latest news drop just so happened to link the Jays with another outfielder from the AL East, who has recently played with the Yankees and Red Sox.

According to Boston insider Chris Cotillo, the Blue Jays reportedly have interest in Alex Verdugo, while the other teams that are involved in his market are the Pirates and Mets. Pittsburgh has been associated with Verdugo over the course of the past week, but the other two teams are recent entrants into the public conversation.

Although we want anything to happen at this point for Toronto's roster, Verdugo is the wrong rival outfielder to target from within the division, as Anthony Santander, a free agent from the Orioles, should be the number one target.

Reports indicate he has an offer on the table from the Blue Jays, but this rumor linking Toronto to Verdugo seems like a possible Santander. There is a chance that they could work out deals for both, of course, as the future of the outfield is uncertain surrounding Daulton Varsho, Joey Loperfido, Davis Schneider, Addison Barger and Nathan Lukes. George Springer's prime appears to have come and gone.

Blue Jays reportedly interested in Alex Verdugo, who is a downgrade from AL East target Anthony Santander.

Verdugo would likely sign a one-year bounce back contract with any suitor. The price would not be an issue either, likely floating around the $8-$10 million range. He has had some seasons of being an above-average hitter, but has also been below average in recent memory. His career wRC+ is 101, which is one point above average.

Last season was the worst of his career. He belted 13 home runs, 28 doubles, and a triple to generate a slugging percentage of .356. That paired with an on-base percentage of .291 to create an OPS of .647. His wRC+ sat at just 83, but he struck out at a solid rate of 15%.

He brings value with his glove, but Toronto cannot afford a season like that out of one of their impact signings. Their priority must remain on Anthony Santander, a slugger that put 44 homers over the fence last season. His bat would massively boost this lineup, and would be a significant long-term piece, as the future of the Blue Jays' young core looks iffy at best.

The Verdugo interest appears very real, but it could turn into nothing. The Blue Jays have not fallen out of the mix for Santander, but they need to make sure that they can secure one of these big bats off the market instead of waiting until all that is available are hitters like Verdugo.