Houston Astros: George Springer not close to getting asking price

Houston Astros outfielder George Springer reportedly has two offers in hand, but neither are close to his asking price.

At this point, the market for Houston Astros outfielder George Springer appears to be down to two teams – the Toronto Blue Jays and the New York Mets. Both teams have been linked to Springer for weeks, but there has been little movement in his market. The two sides appear to be engaged in a waiting game.

That was essentially confirmed on Wednesday. According to Jon Heyman, the Mets and Blue Jays have made offers, but neither are close to Springer’s $150 million asking price.

As arguably the top position player in free agency, one can certainly argue that Springer is justified in his salary demands. He has produced a .270/.361/.491 batting line in his seven years in the majors, hitting 174 homers and 137 doubles while establishing himself as one of the better center fielders in the game.

It is entirely possible that Springer will receive something close to his desired salary as well. According to Andy Martino of SNY, the Mets could be willing to approach that dollar amount. However, there would need to be some movement in negotiations, which has yet to occur.

This likely means that Springer’s free agency will continue to drag on throughout January, and possibly into February as well. This continues the recent trend where the top free agents are signed later in the process as teams try to wait out their demands.

The problem with this strategy is that teams do not have a second option in this case. Whoever misses out on Springer is likely looking at Jackie Bradley Jr. as the second best center fielder in free agency. While the Mets have the outfield depth to withstand losing out on Springer, the Blue Jays do not.

George Springer has offers in hand, although they are not close to his asking price. The Houston Astros outfielder appears no closer to signing than he had been when free agency began.