Whispers linking Blue Jays to George Springer keep growing louder
The Toronto Blue Jays are crawling closer to landing at least one coveted, elite free-agent bat this offseason.
Multiple reports over the past couple days have linked the Blue Jays and star outfielder George Springer, adding to rumours and reports earlier this offseason that Toronto was one of the top contenders to land the three-time All-Star in free agency.
MLB insider Jon Morosi was the latest to add legitimacy to the whispers, hopping on Sportsnet 590 The Fan in Toronto on Monday to share the latest he’s been hearing on the Springer-Jays front.
“I was told last night by a source who knows George Springer pretty well that he’s given a lot of serious thought to playing in Toronto,” Morosi said.
“You look at George’s options and the Mets are certainly a possibility, they’re still working through what their front office structure is going to look like. The Boston Red Sox as well.”
Morosi’s comments come just a couple days after Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi wrote that things have “progressed beyond just talking” with the Blue Jays and Springer. Earlier this month, MLB Network’s Jon Heyman was the first to report the Blue Jays had interest in Springer, along with Red Sox centre fielder Jackie Bradley Jr.
Springer, a 31-year-old former World Series MVP who can play right and centre field, had a fantastic pandemic-shortened 2020 season, slashing .265/.359/.540 with 14 homers, 32 RBI and a 1.9 fWAR. He added four home runs and drove in 10 RBI en route to his — and the Astros’ — fourth straight ALCS appearance.
The unique combination of position, talent, pedigree and postseason excellence has Springer seemingly sitting firmly atop Toronto’s board of desired free agents, but the team is reportedly in the mix on a number of other big name bats. Among those is former Cubs, Rockies and Yankees infielder DJ LeMahieu — a three-time All-Star and Gold Glover who was described to Davidi as a “perfect fit” for the Jays.
Along with Bradley Jr., Toronto is also heavily in on 33-year-old, three-time All-Star outfielder Michael Brantley, according to Davidi, who noted that the Blue Jays “may be willing to set the market,” but that players’ agents will likely try and wait for the Mets to make their moves.
The Blue Jays, despite a surplus at the position, are also a possible suitor for All-Star catcher J.T. Realmuto, per Marlins beat reporter Craig Mish.
The Toronto Blue Jays are one of the teams that will be vying for free agent All Star Catcher JT Realmuto this Winter. I would expect them to be involved throughout the process. Per sources.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) November 24, 2020
So as usual we wait, but the Jays find themselves in the unusual position of being right there on some potentially franchise altering pieces.
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