Two weeks after declining the 2024 option on shortstop Tim Anderson, the White Sox are working quickly to shore up the middle of their infield.

The team reportedly has a one-year deal with free agent shortstop Paul DeJong, pending a physical. Last week, the Sox acquired middle infielder Nicky Lopez in a six-player trade with the Braves.

DeJong, 30, who attended Antioch High School and Illinois State University, played for the Cardinals, Blue Jays and Giants last season, batting .207/.258/.355 with a .602 OPS in 127 games.

He was second in National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2017 after he batted .285/.325/.532 with 25 homers, and was an NL All-Star in 2019 when he hit 30 home runs. He has hit 42 in four seasons since 2019, however.

DeJong started last season with the Cardinals on the injured list, and after getting traded to the Blue Jays on Aug. 1, went 3-for-44 before getting designated for assignment. Like Lopez, DeJong arrives with a solid reputation as a fielder.

The Sox have top prospect Colson Montgomery likely starting the season at Triple-A Charlotte, but Montgomery could make his debut by mid-season.

General manager Chris Getz identified defense as a priority on his list of offseason needs, and DeJong and Lopez, a Naperville Central graduate, fill the bill in that regard. Lopez could be the starting second baseman alongside DeJong on Opening Day.