The Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to a contract with outfielder George Springer. Springer, 31, is a three-time All-Star and 2017 World Series MVP. The former Astro will now take over in center field up north
Springer joins a talented young Toronto lineup, with the Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Cavan Biggio, Bo Bichette, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., and Teoscar Hernandez.
Springer agreed to terms of a six-year, $150 million deal with the Blue Jays last night. In 2019, Springer batted .292 with 39 home runs and 96 RBI’s, a season where the Astros lost to the Nationals in the World Series. In the 2017 World Series, Springer batted .379 with 5 home runs and 7 RBI’s en route to an Astros World Series victory, as well as Springer winning World Series MVP. Springer will take over center field duties for the Blue Jays in 2021
The Astros are coming off a season where they barely made the playoffs with a 29-31 record. They now are left with an empty spot in center field, and it is unknown how they plan to fill it. Springer is not the first big players to leave Houston in free agency, as Gerrit Cole left for the New York Yankees last offseason. Shortstop Carlos Correa will also be a free agent following the 2021 season.
The Astros were able to retain outfielder Michael Brantley, signing him to a two year, $32 million dollar extension earlier today.
The Blue Jays are one of the most talented young teams in the league, and come off a season in which they made the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Along with their lineup, the Blue Jays have a rotation headlined by 2019 NL Cy Young award finalist Hyun-Jin Ryu, who signed a four-year, $100 million deal last offseason, number six overall prospect Nate Pearson, and former Diamondbacks All-Star Robbie Ray. The Blue Jays will look to contend with the best teams in the American League, with the likes of the New York Yankees, Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox, and Oakland Athletics. The Blue Jays may not be done yet, as they may look to make a few more moves before the offseason’s end.
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