The Blue Jays have shown interest in Brandon Lowe, according to Sportsnet's Shi Davidi and Ben Nicholson-Smith. He's one of the market's top bats.

The interest surfaced this week at the GM meetings in Las Vegas. It lines up with MLB Trade Rumors' prediction that Lowe lands in Toronto on a three-year, $69 million deal.

His first season in Pittsburgh was a breakout. He hit 35 homers with an .824 OPS.

He also drove in 96 runs and drew 62 walks. That patience is exactly what Toronto's lineup lacked.

The Pirates finished 82-80 and want him back. But they're unlikely to stretch far past their budget to keep him.

Who else is in the mix? The Yankees, for one.

The Yankees could turn Brandon Lowe into an AL East bidding war

New York and other AL East clubs have been mentioned as suitors. That puts Toronto in a familiar spot, competing with a division rival for a bat.

Second base is the clear fit. Ernie Clement faded badly after August, and Ross Atkins has said Clement must “earn every bit” of the starting job.

Lowe would let Clement slide into a super-utility role, where he's most valuable.

Age is the main question. Lowe is 32, and projecting his defence into his mid-30s is tricky after a swing from poor to excellent.

Toronto should be aggressive here. A three-year deal for a proven 30-homer bat is exactly the kind of move that fixes a last-place offence without crippling the payroll.

Letting the Yankees outbid you would be like letting your neighbour grab the last snowblower before a storm. You'll be shovelling all winter while he's warm inside.

Don Kelly's Pirates may still make a push to keep him. But the market's interest suggests Lowe will get more than Pittsburgh wants to pay.

With the lockout looming Dec. 1, his decision could come quickly. If Atkins wants him, the time to move is now.