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Report: Blue Jays prioritizing Wong if LeMahieu returns to Yankees

Scott Kane / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Toronto Blue Jays are interested in acquiring a second baseman this offseason, and they're targeting two players.

Toronto is prepared to make Kolten Wong the team's top priority among free agents at the position if DJ LeMahieu returns to the New York Yankees, sources told MLB Network's Jon Morosi.

It's widely expected LeMahieu will head back to the Yankees, Morosi adds. If the Blue Jays can't convince him to leave, Wong would be a suitable addition due to his defensive prowess.

The 30-year-old former St. Louis Cardinals infielder would upgrade a Blue Jays defense that ranked 29th in runs saved last season, according to FanGraphs.

Since 2019, Wong's 25 defensive runs saved and 9.0 ultimate zone rating lead all qualified second basemen. He's also won back-to-back Gold Gloves.

Wong excels with his glove, but he isn't potent at the dish. The 2011 first-round pick has posted an OPS+ above 100 only twice over eight big-league seasons, with his .123 isolated power ranking 51st among qualified second baseman since 2013.

Cavan Biggio started the bulk of games at second for the Blue Jays in 2020, but he's capable of playing multiple positions, including third base and the outfield.

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