Gleyber Torres already has a built-in connection to the Blue Jays' middle infield. He and Andrés Giménez won the 2026 World Baseball Classic together with Venezuela.

That bond matters more now that second base is open for business. Ross Atkins said at his end-of-season availability that Ernie Clement will have to earn the job in 2027.

Atkins clarified it wasn't a knock on Clement's ability, noting the club asked a lot of him this year. Still, the market is hard to ignore.

Three names headline it. Jazz Chisholm Jr., Brandon Lowe and Torres are all expected to hit free agency in November.

Chisholm brings the flash. He hit 19 homers and stole 41 bases in 137 games for the Yankees this season.

That doubles Clement's homer total. Clement also stole just seven bases.

Gleyber Torres may be the most affordable fit of the three

Lowe brings the thump. The 32-year-old led all second basemen with 35 homers and has topped 20 in each of his past four seasons.

Torres sits in the middle. He's averaged 18 homers a season over a nine-year career, with experience batting near the top of the order.

The price could favour him, too. He's coming off a one-year, $22 million deal with Detroit and could land a similar salary, possibly lower on a longer contract.

Does WBC chemistry actually matter? It can, because a double-play partner you trust saves a beat on every turn at second.

Torres is the best balance of fit and cost. Lowe has more power and Chisholm more speed, but Torres gives Toronto a patient bat ahead of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. without the baggage or the bidding war.

Reuniting him with Giménez is like hiring a band's old drummer. The rest of the group already knows his rhythm.

Clement isn't going anywhere. He's arbitration-eligible and under team control through 2029, and his ability to play second, short and third keeps him valuable.

The 30-year-old thrived as a utility man before. If Atkins lands Torres, that's likely where Clement ends up, and Toronto's middle infield might finally speak the same language.