Blue Jays rumors: Club is interested in acquiring Tim Anderson to play second base

With the trade deadline a matter of days away, it's more clear than ever that the Blue Jays need help. The lack of consistency by this team is causing concern for many, with them currently representing the epitome of underachievers.

There are several areas where the Blue Jays need to prioritize adding some quality. The question is, who will they actually end up trading for (if anyone)?

One apparent target comes courtesy of Jon Morosi. The MLB Network reporter is indicating the Blue Jays have an interest in acquiring Tim Anderson.

An intriguing player

Anderson has been with the White Sox ever since they selected him 17th overall, in the 2013 draft. As Morosi mentions, he makes for one of the more fascinating trade candidates out there.

Understandably, there will be people who question why the Blue Jays would target someone who plays at shortstop? The team is set here with two-time All-Star Bo Bichette, backed up by Santiago Espinal when required.

What makes Anderson (even) more appealing though, is the potential to use him at second base. He played the position for the first time at this year's World Baseball Classic (WBC), for Team USA and has since started there twice for the White Sox.

As things stand, the Blue Jays use a platoon situation at second base, including White Merrifield, Espinal and Cavan Biggio. Adding Anderson to the mix would be a good 'problem' to have.

Excellent athlete and teammate

The main challenge is the 30-year-old's lack of overall experience at second base. However, he is an excellent athlete with tremendous speed and a strong arm, so he has the tools -- as well as the baseball IQ -- to succeed at second base.

Further helping the situation, Morosi mentioned how Mark DeRosa -- who managed Team USA at the WBC -- raved about Anderson. DeRosa said he was willing to do whatever was asked of him and would be a good fit in any clubhouse.

Traditionally speaking, the Blue Jays would also be adding a quality bat to an offense which needs one. Anderson has a resume which includes a Silver Slugger Award, an AL batting title and hitting above .300 in his previous four seasons.

However, the right-handed bat has not been his usual self this season. He has no home runs to date, and could set single-season lows in a number of other offensive categories, including RBI, batting average, slugging percentage and OPS.

A positive turnaround

As the saying goes though, you can't keep a good man down. Anderson has been on fire since the All-Star Break, with a .378/.439/.432 slash line and a .871 OPS. (Statistics up to and including July 24.)

In terms of the Tuscaloosa, Alabama native's contract, we know money isn't (or shouldn't be) an issue for the Blue Jays. His salary for this year is $12.5 million US, there is a club option for next season and pending this being exercised, he is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2025.

One final factor to consider in all this, is the likelihood of interest from other teams. In this respect, Morosi also mentioned the Mariners and the Giants as potential fits for Anderson.