Toronto Blue Jays: Elite players to target in free agency

President and CEO Mark Shapiro of the Toronto Blue Jays talks to general manager Ross Atkins. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
President and CEO Mark Shapiro of the Toronto Blue Jays talks to general manager Ross Atkins. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Blue Jays
Houston Astros center fielder George Springer. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports) /

1. George Springer

The Houston Astros were easily the most hated team in baseball this season and for good reason. Fans rejoiced when they were finally eliminated by the Tampa Bay Rays in 7 games in the ALCS.

George Springer may have been part of the whole scandal involving the Astros, but he’ll be one of the top free agent choices on the market this winter regardless. Springer has spent his entire big league career with Houston and they may be his first choice when deciding where to sign.

However, don’t be surprised if Springer takes this opportunity to leave an organization that is clearly tainted in the eyes of many baseball fans. With a career .OPS of .852 and the ability to hit 25-30+ HR’s and play good defence in centre field, who wouldn’t want to sign him?

While the outfield may not be the most pressing need for the Blue Jays, Springer would likely replace Randal Grichuk and would be a clear upgrade both offensively and defensively. He’s coming off a one-year deal worth $21 million.