MLB Free Agency: Five Potential Landing Spots for George Springer
George Springer hits MLB free agency for the first time in his career as the top outfielder on the market. These five teams will be anxious pursuers for the Houston Astros’ star.
Having declined the Houston Astros‘ $18.9 million qualifying offer, outfielder George Springer is officially open for business on the MLB free agent market. Investors won’t be shy in their attempts to woo the three-time All-Star. Look no further than these five clubs to jump to the front of the line.
The New York Mets’ Case for Springer
MLB enthusiasts keep guiding George Springer to the New York Mets this offseason. I’m not so sure I see it.
The Mets’ outfield unit was spectacular in 2020. Right fielder Michael Conforto hit .322 with a .412 OBP, left fielder Jeff McNeil hit .311 with a .383 OBP, and center fielder Brandon Nimmo hit .280 with a .404 OBP. The trio averaged a .884 OPS.
Granted, they were not the most formidable on defense. But which outfield bat would the Mets sacrifice to make room for Springer?
More immediately, how does Dominic Smith factor into New York’s plans given the expectation that the universal DH will take a hiatus in 2021? Smith’s .993 OPS was the highest among Mets and the seventh highest in MLB in 2020. He also led the offense in RBI and WAR.
Before Smith got to DH, he split time between left field and first base. Pete Alonso now locks down first. McNeal, the Mets’ primary left fielder this season, can also play throughout the infield. If, for example, McNeil were to transition to third base, Smith could play left field. Still, a spot eludes George Springer.
Yes, Springer would improve the New York Mets on both sides of the ball. However, the Mets’ front office has plenty to work out to make a Springer signing possible and logical. Let’s see what owner Steve Cohen draws up in his inaugural MLB offseason.
The Toronto Blue Jays’ Case for Springer
Is it too dramatic to say that George Springer is precisely who the Blue Jays need? The Jays had a subpar defensive outfield this season, dragged down mostly by Randal Grichuk and his -8 DRS. Grichuk was their everyday center fielder. Springer, the Astros’ everyday center fielder in 2020, managed a +3 DRS. An 11-run swing at such a dire position on the field would be a tremendous boost for Toronto.
The Jays offense impressed this year, finishing in the top 10 in MLB in home runs and runs scored. Wouldn’t you know it, George Springer notched a top 10 standing in the AL in the same two categories. His offensive weaponry would take Toronto to the next level. Just look at how his 2020 numbers would’ve ranked on the 2020 Blue Jays:
Home runs (14): 2nd
Runs (37): 3rd
OBP (.359): 2nd
OPS (.899): 2nd
SLG (.540): 2nd
Not too shabby, especially considering Springer’s bat didn’t heat up until the end of August.
What else does the sixth youngest team in baseball (per statista) that made it to the playoffs for the first time since 2016 need? A veteran presence, preferably one with postseason experience.
Springer, age 31, is a seven-year major leaguer. He’s played in 63 playoff games, accumulating 292 plate appearances, a World Series ring, a World Series MVP trophy, and 19 home runs, which rank fourth all-time in the postseason behind only Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams, and Manny Ramirez.
He’s not a washed-up veteran that can only inspire through storytelling and wisdom. He can inspire by example, through action, swagger, and awareness.
That’s the type of player the Toronto Blue Jays must pursue.
The Washington Nationals’ Case for Springer
The Nationals require a shot in the arm after passively defending their 2019 MLB championship. Their top-heavy lineup craves depth, and while Springer would likely hit towards the top, his presence would surely make the Nats’ offense stronger as a whole.
Juan Soto will have a place in Washington’s pastures until he decides otherwise, though as incredible as he is, he can’t play all three outfield positions.
Right now, the Nationals are unsure of what they have in center fielder Victor Robles. Robles’ struggles spanned the batter’s box all the way to center field during a truncated 2020 campaign. He hit .220 with a sub-.300 OBP and a horrid .315 SLG, plus his glovework yielded a disappointing -4 DRS. He’s far too talented to lose the Nats’ best interests anytime soon. That said, Washington could let George Springer take charge while Robles figures things out, or in case he never does.
The Nationals have an opening for Springer regardless of their plans for Robles. Soto is the only untouchable in their current outfield, and it helps that Springer can play any of the three outfield positions.
If Washington feels that 2020 was a fluke season and that a 2021 turnaround is inevitable, then a four or five-year offer to George Springer makes excellent sense.
The St. Louis Cardinals’ Case for Springer
Concluding the season ranking 26th in MLB in OPS and 28th in runs scored, the Cardinals desperately need offensive help. All that is keeping them from obtaining it are their frugal habits.
They have a shot at signing a premier outfielder whose bat does most of the talking. Springer hit five fewer home runs in 2020 than the St. Louis outfield combined. If you take the highest batting average, OBP, OPS, and walk total from a Cardinals’ outfielder this season, Springer outdid them all. He would be a massive upgrade from what they presently have.
Perhaps the timing is right, as the Cards chose not to exercise their 2021 contract option for Kolten Wong, their leadoff man in 47 games in 2020. Springer has been one of the more prominent leadoff men in baseball over the past five years. He’s played a significant role in the power movement among first-place hitters, as evidenced by his statistics, but also his “swing for the fences” intention on practically every cut.
St. Louis will make a run at the postseason with or without him. But if they want to improve on a Wildcard appearance and possibly reach the World Series, they need Springer. Spend the money, Cardinals! You’ll be glad you did.
The Boston Red Sox’s Case for Springer
The Red Sox have a couple of convenience factors on their side pertaining to Springer. Firstly, Fenway Park stands approximately 100 miles from where Springer grew up in New Britain, Connecticut. He also played college ball at the nearby University of Connecticut. If home is where his heart is, maybe the loyal North Easterner will be tempted to sign in Boston.
Secondly, the Red Sox’s assistant hitting coach, Peter Fatse, played a part in recruiting George Springer to the University of Connecticut in 2008. An article by WEEI details the duo’s relationship, pointing out that Faste toured Springer around campus during the recruiting process, plus the two were weight lifting partners and fellow starting outfielders for the Huskies.
Geography, familiarity, and of course, cash flow, favor the Red Sox – assuming they make a run at Springer. They were terrible in 2020, though a return to competitiveness next season is possible if their starting rotation is healthy.
With Jackie Bradley Jr. hitting free agency and Andrew Benintendi giving Boston pause after an abysmal 2020 showing, the Red Sox have to sure up their outfield this offseason.
Springer is not the acrobat that Bradley Jr. is in the outfield, but he is fundamentally sound and should have little issue controlling center field at Fenway Park. Benintendi and Alex Verdugo are strong candidates for CF as well; however, Springer is far more battle-tested at the position.
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The Red Sox will figure their outfield alignment one way or another. What’s most important is maximizing Springer’s hitting ability. Pull-happy and always prepared to activate launch angle, the hard-swinging right-hander would enjoy Peppering the Green Monster and launching plenty of homers beyond it. Perhaps he’d alleviate at least some of the pain leftover from sending Mookie Betts away.