Report: Blue Jays significant players in LeMahieu sweepstakes

The Toronto Blue Jays appear to be getting closer to landing a star through free agency.

The club has emerged as a significant player for infielder DJ LeMahieu, sources told Jeff Passan of ESPN.

Toronto's pursuit of the three-time All-Star makes the team a legitimate threat to the New York Yankees and their efforts to retain his services, Passan notes.

The Yankees have made it clear that their No. 1 priority this winter is re-signing LeMahieu. However, the 32-year-old and the Bronx Bombers are reportedly more than $25 million apart in negotiations on a new multi-year contract.

Adding a player of LeMahieu's ilk would help a Blue Jays club oozing with young and talented position players. The two-time batting champion finished fourth in AL MVP voting in 2019 and third in 2020.

LeMahieu isn't the only player Toronto is believed to be chasing. Club executives reportedly view the Jays as one of the front-runners for star outfielder George Springer.