In the midst of an off-season with anticipation and action, the Toronto Blue Jays have managed to make a big splash. The Blue Jays are in agreement with former Houston Astros’ and three-time all-star, George Springer. The contract is reported to be 6-years, $150M. The deal is pending a physical.
In 55 games with the Astros, Springer batted .265, with 14 home runs, and 32 RBIs. He slugged .540 and had an on-base percentage of .359. In the 2020 campaign, he managed to tally 24 walks and only 38 strikeouts. In the outfield, Springer did not make a single error on 192 defensive chances.
Springer will most likely replace Randal Grichuk in center field, pushing Grichuk into one of the corner fielding positions. In the batting order, he will most likely be in the three or four spot. Springer brings some good power into the lineup and with Biggio and Bichette being really solid one and two hitters, it would make the most sense for Springer to bat behind them, so he can drive them in. If Charlie Montoyo, the Blue Jays manager would like to switch it up a bit, Springer could even go into the two slot since he gets on base quite a bit.
The Springer contract would be the largest by total value in Blue Jays’ history, surpassing Vernon Wells’ seven-year, $126 million extension in 2006. The previous largest Blue Jays free-agent signing would be Russel Martin in 2014, which was a five-year $82 million dollar deal, which got blown out of the water by the George Springer signing.
The former 11th overall pick of the 2011 MLB draft, has won two Silver-Slugger awards, and was on the controversial 2017 Astros’ World Series Championship team, in which he won the World Series Most Valuable Player, in only his third year in the league.
Springer brings a much-needed veteran presence to this young Blue Jays’ clubhouse. He will be able to help the young core of this team develop, and bring a winning mentality into a team that prior to this year, has not made the postseason since 2016.