MLB Free Agency: Five Potential Landing Spots for George Springer
By Travis Koch
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.