Houston Astros: Three landing spots for George Springer
Take a look at three possible free agency landing spots for the Houston Astros outfielder.
To put it simply, George Springer will be one of the most sought-after free agents this offseason. The 31-year-old center fielder possesses talent and discipline at the plate while playing premier defense in center fielder. In fact, Springer can successfully defend any of the outfield spots for the Houston Astros.
As a result, Call to the Pen recently ranked Springer as the fifth-best free agent on the market. Springer overcame a slow start in 2020, finishing the shortened-campaign with relatively normal numbers. In 51 games and 189 at-bats, Springer hit .265, with 14 home runs and 32 RBIs. He also posted an OBP of .359 and a slugging percentage of .540.
Throughout seven seasons in the big leagues, Springer owns a career batting line of .270/.361/.491. His defense numbers are even better, especially ignoring his inconsistent rookie campaign. Taking out his rookie season, Springer puts up a .993 fielding percentage, with just nine errors and 36 assists.
Springer’s bat and defense are talented enough to boost pretender teams to contenders, and contenders to potentially title-favorites. It will be interesting to see if teams hold anything against the outfielder in wake of the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal. Nonetheless, his talent will have teams calling.
Let’s take a look at three potential landing spots for the 31-year-old outfielder.
Staying home with the Houston Astros
Of the three teams on this list, the Houston Astros may be the team most interested in signing George Springer. Houston wants the star outfielder to stay at home.
Springer has been a crucial member of the Astros’ success over the last six years, including the World Series title run in 2017. Of course, Houston faces a predicament with all three outfielders, including Michael Brantley and Josh Reddick, hitting free agency this offseason.
Of the three, Springer is the most valuable asset to Houston’s core. And, surely, the fan-favorite of the three.
Recently, the outfielder turned down Houston’s $18.9 million qualifying offer. This doesn’t count out the Astros, as Springer made this decision with the interest of signing a long-term, high-value contract in his prime.
If Springer stays home with the Houston Astros, fans will rejoice about keeping Houston’s core together. Surely, with Springer, the Astros will stay in contention. Questions around the Astros ability to contend arise if Springer ends up departing from Houston.