The Toronto Blue Jays reportedly signed George Springer via free agency on Tuesday night.
The biggest offseason push for the Toronto Blue Jays proved quite successful. On Tuesday night, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported the Blue Jays inked All-Star outfielder George Springer to a deal.
Outfielder George Springer and the Toronto Blue Jays are in agreement on a deal, sources familiar with the situation tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 20, 2021
Springer is headed to Dunedin for a physical. And if all goes according to plan, Toronto will get the star it’s been looking for all winter.
According to reports, Springer’s deal is valued at six years and $150 million.
Springer and Jays agree at $150M for 6 years
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 20, 2021
Springer remained Toronto’s top free-agent target this offseason, with the team making an aggressive push at the start of 2021. Just hours before the news broke, Jon Heyman of MLB Network revealed the Blue Jays to be the clear-cut frontrunners in the Springer market.
This is an incredible signing for Toronto, who finished 32-38 last season while earning a third-place finish in the AL East and eighth seed in the expanded postseason format.
The 31-year-old center fielder was considered one of this year’s top free agents. Springer spent all seven years of his MLB experience with the Houston Astros. During that time, he’s been named to three All-Star teams, won two Silver Slugger Awards, and was named the 2017 World Series MVP en route to Houston’s title.
Springer has been a vital member of Houston’s core. While playing Gold Glove-caliber defense, Springer owns a career .270/.361/.540 batting line, averaging 35 home runs, 93 RBIs, and 81 walks per year.
This signing is a huge success for the franchise. Toronto’s front office has been open about signing a top-tier free-agent talent this offseason. Last year, the Blue Jays added Hyun Jin Ryu, who provided an ace in the starting rotation. Ryu pitched to a 2.69 ERA and 1.149 WHIP last season en route to five wins in 12 starts.
Springer’s signing is a further indication that the MLB offseason is heating up. Last week, the New York Yankees signed DJ LeMahieu and Corey Kluber, while the New York Mets previously traded for Francisco Lindor at the beginning of the month. If the trend continues, the once “slow” offseason will be a lot of fun down the stretch.