Cardinals: What kind of deal could Kolten Wong land in free agency?

Now that D.J. LeMahieu has re-signed with the New York Yankees, the free-agent second base market is now expected to come into focus. And one of the top options available, Kolten Wong, is in play for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Wong, of course, had his $12.5 million club option declined by the Cardinals earlier this offseason. There is believed to be some hard feelings from the decision, but the organization has maintained interest in bringing back Wong on a cheaper deal. With LeMahieu signing for six years, $90 million, it appears that president of baseball operations John Mozeliak and the front office made the right choice believing they could bring back Wong on a cheaper deal.

So, what will Wong command in free agency? The LeMahieu deal is telling but comes with multiple caveats. First off, he took less money to sign with New York (he wanted $90 million) and was willing to spread it out over six seasons rather than four seasons to ease the luxury tax burden on the Yankees. Secondly, he is in a different stratosphere as a player than Wong. While Wong is an excellent defender, LeMahieu is one of, if not the best, defensive second basemen in baseball and has a strong offensive game.

But Wong should land a nice one or two-year deal in the $8-10 million range, though it could be tough considering his suitors have dwindled some this winter. The Boston Red Sox are a team that has interest in Wong, but other teams such as the Los Angeles Angels are out after the team went a different route (acquired Jose Iglesias via trade from the Baltimore Orioles) to upgrade the infield.

It could mean a Wong return to St. Louis is more likely, though it is far from a guarantee a reunion happens. But if the Cardinals can land Wong at a fraction of the cost of what he would have previously made, it would make a tough offseason much more tolerable for Cardinals fans.

The only question is: would Wong be on board?