MLB rumors: Cardinals could be in jeopardy of losing Kolten Wong
Kolten Wong may actually be leaving the Cardinals as a free agent this offseason.
Kolten Wong was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round of the 2011 MLB Draft and has been up with the team since 2013. The second baseman has a career WAR of 16.7 and has won consecutive Gold Gloves for his defense.
That is why it was a bit surprising when the team declined his option for 2021. He followed that up by reportedly turning down a multi-year deal and it is hard to imagine a return at this point. The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly interested in the veteran and it could give him a fresh start.
Hearing that the Blue Jays are interested in St. Louis Cardinals FA 2B Kolten Wong, who has already turned down a multi-year offer from STL @BlueJays @Cardinals
— bob elliott (@elliottbaseball) November 17, 2020
Kolten Wong may leave the Cardinals in free agency
The defense speaks for itself and Wong has also proven to be a reliable member of the offense. He has a career on-base percentage of .333 and 88 stolen bases to his name.
Adding Wong would give the Blue Jays a trusted second baseman and would mean Cavan Biggio either shifts to third base or right field. Biggio has primarily played at second, but has proven to be versatile and that works in the team’s favor with this rumored interest in Wong.
Wong joins Yadier Molina and Adam Wainwright as Cardinals mainstays who may be gone for good starting in 2021. A new core is taking shape and Tommy Edman could end up manning second base if the Cardinals lose Wong and decide to save money at the position. Some fans may see this as a downgrade, but Edman is still young and did post a 3.9 WAR in 2019.
The Cardinals decided to decline Wong’s option that was worth $12.5 million. The front office had to know he may want to test the market after that lack of confidence in him and this could end up being a huge mistake if the team took his consistent play and defense for granted.
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This would be a huge win for the Blue Jays after making the postseason in 2020 with a young core of talent that should only get better moving forward.