Blue Jays: George Springer signing resembles changing culture
For years, it has been known that the Toronto Blue Jays have struggled to land big free agents but it feels like the George Springer signing should be a major turning point for the franchise.
Sure the Blue Jays might have had to hand out more term than they would have liked but this is a team that won’t have significant commitments with its young core for the next few years. It should also be a message to other future free agents that Toronto is willing to spend for a premium player.
We have already seen the trickle-down effect with Michael Branley reportedly closing in on a deal with the Blue Jays. It would be a significant addition since Brantley is a left-handed hitter that has been relatively productive since he doesn’t strike out as frequently.
Did the Toronto Blue Jays pay too much for Geroge Springer?
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According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsend, the New York Mets’ offer was for years, between $120 and $125 million. Those who say that the Blue Jays massively overpaid are either Mets fans or haven’t seen what Springer has accomplished even when you look past the scandal from 2017.
Toronto is upgrading a position that it has desperately needed to find a more stable and productive contributor. Springer’s addition also takes the pressure off of Austin Martin from having to make that his primary position.
It also means that the Blue Jays will have to make more moves with Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Randal Grichuk the likely candidates. Grichuk has the more expensive deal to move but Gurriel’s value on the trade market will likely be much higher.
Adding a player of Springer’s calibre also gives them a player who should be able to elevate the production of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. In an AL East that features a lot of high-velocity hitters, Springer is a capable hitter in that regard.
Sportsnet’s Arden Zwelling explains that Springer’s 13 hits against pitches at 95 m.p.h. or harder was tied for fifth-highest in MLB. Springer apparently also didn’t see as big of a boost from the “cheating scandal” according to Zwelling as he actually saw a dip in production when the team started to put the scheme into action.
Of course, Springer has also dealt with hamstring issues which don’t improve when playing on the Rogers Centre turf. That could be different if the team has put in a different surface than what they have used in the past or you wonder if the team is even going to be playing in Toronto this season.
The Blue Jays might have actually benefitted from fewer teams pursuing Springer as he likely would have received a wealthier deal.
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Do you think the Springer deal has changed the Blue Jays spending culture? Do you have any concerns with the contract? Let us know in the comments below.