3 teams that should sign Kolten Wong in free agency
By Scott Rogust
The St. Louis Cardinals declined the $12.5 million option on Kolten Wong’s contract. Here are three teams that should sign him in free agency.
The 2020 MLB season has concluded, and the league isn’t wasting any time to begin Hot Stove season. No team was busier on Wednesday than the St. Louis Cardinals, who made a variety of transactions in terms of team options for the 2021. One of the four players who will hit free agency is second baseman Kolten Wong, as the Cardinals refused to pay his $12.5 million salary next season.
Wong is a Gold Glove-winning second baseman who should command a decent market for those looking for an elite defender. Here are three teams that should be wasting no time in negotiating a deal with him this Hot Stove season.
Chicago Cubs. player. 9. Pick Analysis. Central. 3.. Scouting Report. NL
Perhaps no one knows a player better than a rival team. Enter the Chicago Cubs, who have seen plenty of Wong over his eight-year career and just so happen to need a second baseman. The Cubs have had trouble finding that guy since they willingly traded away Tommy La Stella back in 2018.
With a void at second, manager David Ross opted to use Nico Hoerner as their starter. While there was promise to start off the 2020 season, he was still transitioning from shortstop, and thus, he struggled. If the Cubs truly want to contend in 2021 and not suffer an early exit like they did in the Wild Card round to the Miami Marlins, they need to make a play for one of the top second baseman in free agency.
Ironically, La Stella is an option for the Cubs. However, the Oakland Athletics have made re-signing him a top priority this offseason, so we can cross him off Chicago’s wishlist. Wong would be a great option for the Cubs to consider. He can hit (.265) and get on base (.350). Come on, you know the Cubs would love to stick it to the Cardinals by signing their former starting second baseman!