CHICAGO -- The Blue Jays are in the market for a new second baseman, and one of their early targets appears to be Chicago's Gordon Beckham.
MLB.com has learned that the Blue Jays have interest in acquiring the White Sox second baseman, which dates back to last offseason, when the possibility of a trade was first explored. The interest has since been renewed with general manager Alex Anthopoulos intent on upgrading the position.
As per club policy, Toronto doesn't comment on potential transactions and has yet to issue any type of statement regarding its plans for the offseason -- besides admitting second base, left field and starting pitching are areas of need. White Sox general manager Rick Hahn declined comment on the matter as well.
The Blue Jays and White Sox appear to be somewhat ideal trading partners this offseason. Chicago is coming off a 99-loss campaign and is looking to rebuild its organization, while the Blue Jays are hoping to upgrade in an attempt to get into the postseason.
Toronto has the majority of its core locked up for the next two years and has a limited window of opportunity to build itself into a World Series contender. Beckham is eligible for arbitration this offseason and remains under club control through the 2015 campaign.
It's also possible that the Blue Jays would look to expand any deal involving Beckham to also include a starting pitcher. Chicago's Hector Santiago and John Danks are known to be available, and the Blue Jays have a clear need to upgrade their current starting unit.
Chicago's asking price is high for any type of package, and it's believed the organization is strongly interested in Blue Jays right-handers Aaron Sanchez or Marcus Stroman. Both of those pitchers are the prized assets of Toronto's Minor League organization and won't be easily pried loose, but it's possible the club will be open to potential deals considering its strong need to upgrade the roster.
