Houston Astros: Three landing spots for George Springer

Boston Red Sox

Despite a dismal 2020 season, the Boston Red Sox were at least secure in center field with Jackie Bradley Jr. However, there is a slight possibility that he and George Springer swap uniforms and clubhouses this offseason.

According to Peter Gammons of The Athletic, the Red Sox are planning a future with Bradley Jr. in center field. Yet, there’s still a possibility he moves elsewhere. If Bradley Jr. finds greener pastures elsewhere, the Red Sox will surely target the higher-profile Springer as his replacement in center field.

From an athleticism standpoint, Bradley Jr. is the better defender of the two. Yet, Springer hits for both better average and power at the plate. Springer would not be a huge downgrade defensively, except slightly for his range, and the bat is a big improvement for Boston’s lineup.

Of course, there’s also the Alex Cora factor. After a one-year suspension and temporary parting ways, Cora was rehired as the Red Sox manager earlier this month. He’s very familiar with Springer, working as the Houston Astros bench coach during the 2017 World Series run.

It’s unclear how closely Springer and Cora’s relationship sits, however, familiarity usually plays somewhat of a factor in free agency.

If Springer is comfortable with joining a franchise in rebuild mode, then Boston may be the best fit. After all, Springer grew up in the New England area. According to The Boston Herald, the New Britain, Conn., native grew up rooting for the Red Sox.

It’s interesting, though. Baseball fans growing up in Connecticut are often tasked with the incredible choice of rooting for the New York Yankees, the team sitting just south of their state, or looking up north to root on the Red Sox. In 2017, an MLB.com article revealed quite the contrary. In this article, Springer was described as a Yankees fan.

Whether George Springer’s childhood fandom plays any factor in his decision making is yet to be seen. Still worth mentioning, though.