The Toronto Blue Jays are speaking to the Miami Marlins about a possible trade for speedy utility player Jonathan Villar before Monday's deadline, sources told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.
Additionally, the Blue Jays are no longer in the mix for Los Angeles Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons, according to Rosenthal.
The 29-year-old Villar is a versatile defender who could slot in at shortstop for the Blue Jays with Bo Bichette sidelined by injury. Villar has also played second base and center field for Miami this season.
In 28 games for the Marlins, Villar owns a .264/.322/.355 slash line with nine RBIs. He also leads the majors in steals (nine) and caught stealing (five).
A trade to the Blue Jays would mark a return to the AL East for the Dominican Republic native. He spent 2017 and 2018 with the Baltimore Orioles, hitting .270/.338/.438 with 32 home runs, 97 RBIs, and 61 steals.
Villar is owed the remainder of his prorated $8.2-million salary and is eligible for free agency at the end of the season.
