TODAY: The Blue Jays have officially announced the signing. Sportsnet.ca’s Shi Davidi (via Twitter) also has a full breakdown of the contract, which includes an eight-team no-trade clause. Springer receives a $10MM signing bonus, a $22MM salary in 2021, $28MM in 2022, then $22.5MM each year from 2023-26. There is also a $150K bonus if Springer wins an MVP award, as well as $50K bonuses for other achievements like a Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, World Series MVP Awards, or an All-Star selection.
JANUARY 19, 9:58pm: It’s a six-year, $150MM pact, Jon Heyman of MLB Network tweets.
9:54pm: The Jays and Springer have a deal, pending a physical, Jeff Passan of ESPN tweets.
9:36pm: The Blue Jays and free-agent outfielder George Springer are closing in on an agreement, per Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Brendon Kuhn of Blue Jays Nation first reported the two sides had a contract in place, pending a physical. Springer is a client of Excel Sports Management.
This is a monumental pickup for the Blue Jays, who have been in on virtually every big name this offseason as they seek to improve their roster off a playoff campaign in 2020. The Jays had largely come up short until Tuesday, but that’s going to change with the addition of Springer.
It would be difficult to do much better on the open market than Springer, a three-time All-Star who thrived as a member of the Astros from 2014-20. Springer took 3,567 plate appearances as an Astro and batted .270/.361/.491 (134 wRC+) with 174 home runs. He helped the team to a pair of pennants and a World Series championship in the process. Springer was outstanding in the playoffs with the Astros, evidenced by his 19 home runs – the fourth most in the history of the postseason.
As a result of his success in Houston, MLBTR predicted when the offseason began that Springer would ink a five-year, $125MM contract in free agency. The Blue Jays and Mets seemingly showed more interest in the 31-year-old than anyone else this winter, and New York did offer around $120MM to $125MM over six years, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. However, Springer is taking the higher proposal – a record deal for the Jays – and heading north to join a burgeoning Toronto team that will have to overcome the Rays and Yankees in the American League East.
Springer figures to take over in center field for Toronto, which started Randal Grichuk for most of 2020 but has never seemed content with him at the position. The Springer pickup may help lead to the end of the Grichuk-Blue Jays union, as the team has Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Teoscar Hernandez as corner outfield options, and it may not be done adding. According to both Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic and Heyman, another former Astro – Michael Brantley – is a possibility for the team in free agency. Brantley is friends with Springer and would provide Toronto yet another big bat. “There’s legit legs” regarding a Brantley-Toronto agreement, and the club’s “very open to it,” Scott Mitchell of TSN tweets.
The Springer signing will have draft-related ramifications for both the Blue Jays and Astros in 2021. Because Houston gave Springer an $18.9MM qualifying offer (which he rejected), the team will receive a fourth-round pick as compensation for his departure. For signing Springer, Toronto will surrender the No. 54 overall pick in next summer’s draft and $500K in international bonus pool money. The pick probably isn’t going to do much to make up for Springer’s exit for the Astros, though, and the Jays likely aren’t upset to lose the selection and pool money in exchange for one of baseball’s best outfielders.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
shane
I didn’t even know they were interested.
rangers92
Lmao
timpa
$25m a year for 6 years to a player turning 31 who has been in a hitters park his entire career.and is at best average to below-average defensively as a corner OF.
raft
You don’t know much about Springer.
raft
You don’t know much about Springer.
TLB2001
Also going to another hitters park in a division full of hitters parks.
vinnie
Yanks doesn’t like it haha
thelastonetodie
Exactly
luds
And big thanks to trash can signalling.
InPolesWeTrust
Bang bang.
ChiSox_Fan
Is that Canadian or USD?
1 Canadian dollar equals 79 cents USD.
So $150Mil USD or $118.5Mil USD??
BabyJays 2
One starter and the Jays are a real problem THIS year. Look at next year or the year after… If Bichette and Guerrero aren’t franchise players, Groshans or Martin or Martinez will be. The Jays are stacked and still have no payroll obligations that tie their hands.
Dumpster Divin Theo
Massive overpay!!
/s
Dumpster Divin Theo
You can say that again
Lurking
Everything with mlb is done in American dollars
Asfan0780
So you’re projecting 5 guys to be potential franchise players, I won’t take that bet just because the failure rate of prospects
jaysfansince1977
Blue Jays pay all their players in US dollars
looiebelongsinthehall
Biggest take to me is JBJ’s cost has gone up with the Mets still in play. Had Springer gone to the Mets, I saw JBJ going back to Fenway. Now I just don’t see Boston matching NY’s likely offer.
jellbuc
Pretty sure he said SOME of those guys will be not ALL of those guys will be.
parksy78
They should pay them in Canadian Tire money
jaysfansince1977
Parksy78, If they gave Springer 25 million in Canadian Tire money do you know what he could buy for that at a Canadian Tire store? Springer would have a hay day!!
letmeclearmythroat74
What I know is he’s a good player. However , this will be a terrible contract in 2 years or less. Given his age and his production has been decent but not all that. He’s a career .270 hitter and has never knocked in 100 RBIs. He will have some moments and some hot streaks and I’m sure he’s a heck of a clubhouse guy but 150 mil till he’s 37 … come on. This deal has zero chance of paying off.
its_happening
Hard to knock in 100 from the leadoff spot. Many have tried.
higgy5220
Not even a Jays fan but it’s not your money sp who cares? Not many lead off hitters are meant to knock in 100 rbis but get on base was the three behind him
CaptainCanada
we have nice trash cans here in Canada as well, he will do alright
Stevil
Going to the AL East isn’t going to make things harder for him.
TheRickestRick
Are you an idiot ChiSox_Fan?
Cause I think you are
Mystery Team
How about knew what pitches were coming? I wonder if they bid against themselves just to get a name for the fan base? I can’t imagine paying $25 million per for 6 years lol. That’s a big chunk of payroll for numbers they could have got from Nelson Cruz for a lot less money and for one year. Nothing against Springer I’m sure he’s a great fellow but that contract is crazy.
vinnie
Canadian specify in small letters would be fun
bigboybambino
Sorry but it’s pronounced Canadian loonie pls and thx
Very Barry
They were bidding against themselves. So silly. They could have got him done for 4 years and $110 million. So silly.
JayFan
All salaries in baseball are paid in US dollars
letmeclearmythroat74
Yeah, that’s a valid point. He’s not being paid like a lead off hitter. Possibly he could if was put in the meat if the order. I just think it’s a lazy signing for the money. I think they could have worked a little harder and got 2 decent players that could contribute if they’d a worked a little harder. Just my opinion. I hope it works out and I hope I’m wrong.
its_happening
Throat – like a Kolten Wong and JBJ instead? Or Wong and a Paxton?
bigboybambino
That’s more per year
Jeremy135
Lol. His defence is above average, average at best. He plays CF.. Rogers Centre is a hitters park so he will continue to hit well. And even if he moves to a corner spot half way through this deal its a win for the Jays.
Guillo
269 ave lifetime hitter
And 260 postseason hitter
No much honestly
stymeedone
Mets need a right handed hitter. JBJ doesn’t fit that need.
Joeypower
Oh i see you were sitting right beside the GM when numbers were getting exchanged.. the only reason we got him that 6th year or the Mets be having a press conference today.
diddlemyriddle
Blue Jay’s need to over pay, similar to Ryu, due to higher taxes, being out of the states, and also not knowing where they will play hone games in 2021. Should be a half decent DH for the latter half of the deal. Jay’s need an experienced player to lead the younglings.
Black Ace57
I know he hits best when it’s to the beat of someone banging a trash can.
Hantoneenee
The cost wasn’t just 6/150.
• A team that neither exceeded the luxury-tax threshold in the preceding season nor receives revenue sharing will lose its second-highest selection in the following year’s Draft, as well as $500,000 from its international bonus pool for the upcoming signing period.
So for Mets fans that are upset, that’s a hefty price for a team wanting to build up their farm system.
Just sayin’
rememberthecoop
That is hilarious. You just make that up yourself?
TeddyBallgameYazJimEd
All MLB contracts are pd in US dollars.
And for a FA to sign there they have to overpay.
Toronto Canada… for 6mos a year for 6years… I’m surprised it didn’t take $175M
MarkoRock68
Ever been to Toronto or talking about something you are totally clueless?
letmeclearmythroat74
BTW , Ersted and Blackmon did it. I get you’re point , as it is harder but not impossible.
stugots
Hard knock in 100 plus when leading off. His job keep his OBP in the .360 range and score 120 runs with 25hr and 85 rbi and .270 plus avg That’s what should be expected
stugots
Just like hockey is
Francys01
That is a lot of money. However, good for the Blue Jays since they were able to sign him. I would have given him 90 million at most. A five year contract for 90 million.
vinnie
That’s true for his age
Joe Carters walkoff
Well a 33yr old DJLM just got 90 over 6yrs. So theres that
looiebelongsinthehall
Jays overpaid but they currently have to with the pandemic and the uncertainty on where they will be playing.
jaysfansince1977
Francy there is no way he would sign that contract, he was never signing for under 25 mil a season so 18 Mil would never have even got his attention. his last contract paid him 21 Mil in 2020 before being pro-rated for covid.
Tim_Buck-Two
He would have signed with New York Mets for 120 mil? However it went from 120 to 150 Springer should be happy about.
CaptainCanada
Jays needed to pay more for him to come, its hard to get players to come to Toronto
stymeedone
Have you noticed, the vast majority of FAs sign with the team that over bids all the other bidders. Does that mean every team has to overpay to get a player to sign with them? Does that make them all over paid?
MetsMosLoyal 2
It does feel like FA contracts are nearly always overpaid because of the price being drove up.
rememberthecoop
Well then, you wouldn’t have signed him…
iverbure
Overpaid for a corner OF when corner OF are easily to find unreal. On a team that doesn’t have any LH regulars beside Biggo. Move pushes Tellez the only other LH hitter possibly off the team. I thought they were trying to improve the defence?
goalieguy41
It make Hernandez or Grichuk available for trade.
expos_back_by_2025
Crossing my fingers here
vinnie
Ill preferred Keep Hernandez than grichuk
Col_chestbridge
You say corner outfielder, but Springer has played 2000+ innings in CF, played that throughout most of his minor league career, and really only moved to the corner because the Astros had other guys for CF. Springer’s advanced stats suggest he was… actually pretty good at CF.
123redsox
Exactly. Having Jake marisnick able to play center is a little different than Randal grichuk. I believe springer was brought in to man center until Austin martin is ready at which time springer will be in his mid 30s and move to a corner
jimmertee
123, that’s a great plan for Springer.
iverbure
What’s the most games Springer has played in CF in a season?
filthyrich
Only 84, some shifted late.
Was pacing around 110 rate without Marisnick around if 2020 was a full season.
They seemed to really wanna see if Myles Straw was going to be able to hit or he might have paced higher perhaps. Lot of variables makes that one tricky.
2019 SABR grades Springer behind Robles, Cain, Bader, Kiermaier, Hamilton, DeShields on their CF Defensive Index.
2020 Springer is behind Grisham, Robert, Buxton, Laureano, Kiermaier, Bellinger, Tavares, Margot.
Curious where SABR would’ve rated Marisnick, bit of an inning restriction with their list. He was providing higher defensive WAR than Springer, so I can see why he was taking the innings away considering Springer was only taking AB from Reddick for the most part in that scenario.
Grichuk less likely to take the CF innings from Reddick? Grich 27th CF in 2020. Teoscar had majority CF innings in 2019- ranked 19th CF.
Improved team defense and offense instantly.
Complex, flawed method of determining defensive value with SABR Defensive Index, but it’s how Gold Gloves are chosen since 2013 so I prefer trusting them as my source for defense.
Springer as a top 10 defensive CF for 110-120 games?
Down to 80-90 games by year 3. Then corner/DH/release…
Maybe not super smart, or as calculated as we’re used to, but it seems like the short term value could outweigh any future worries.
123redsox
Only Springer will play center for the next few seasons at least. Id imagine they plan on having springer move to a corner in a few years when Austin Martin is ready and springer is in his mid 30s but for now he will be in center
smuzqwpdmx
Springer is far, far better in CF than Grichuk by any stats you check. Pushing Tellez off the team would obviously greatly improve the defense, by allowing Teo and Vlad more time at DH… but I think they can get more value by trading Teo. If a team will give up something of value for Tellez, though, let’s do it… reducing the number of DHs is more important than what side a guy hits from, especially in the era of the 3 batter rule.
Ryan_W
Tellez will play DH or 1B. If anything it bumps grichuk out in a trade or possibly 1 or Hernandez or Gurriel.
stymeedone
Teoscar hasn’t been the most consistent performer. Grichuk is more consistent and better defensively. No need to thin the bench before the season even begins.
Joe Carters walkoff
Isnt Reese a LH regular?? I kid i kid
Ryan_W
Me either, it should have been reported
FredMcGriff for the HOF
Watch out Yankees here come the Blue Jays!
vinnie
Gonna be fun
angt222
Underrated comment
VonPurpleHayes
Patience is a virtue. Congrats Blue Jays fans. You had a nice couple of days.
Ducky Buckin Fent
That’s how I see it too, @hayes.
It seems the group that is the least impressed is…Blue Jay’s fans.
I have to start paying attention to this. @the MLBTR vets. Is that a regular thing? It almost seems like it would be.
Rangers29
I just posted on the Kim thread for the first time in a while. Some good stuff.
lolzmuts
There’s no camaraderie here. It’s just a comment section, most people don’t waste time reading this. You need to find connections in your real life.
PhanaticDuck26
I don’t consider it a waste of time, especially when I can get one of your inspiring life lessons for free.
Ducky Buckin Fent
“There’s no camaraderie here.”
Yeah, @ lolzmets I don’t doubt that that’s your experience here.
rct
Yep, and like you (among others) called, not by signed by the Mets.
Congrats, Jays fans!
MarlinsFanBase
Well, we know that according the the resident Mets homer, the Mets will still win 95 games without Springer. Nimmo is that good of a player to him.
bluejaysdiehard16
All is forgotten and forgiven! My loyalty and faith as a Blue Jays fan is now finally rewarded this off season!!!! I told you so you impatient Jays fans!!
giombrampton78
can he pitch bc thats a greater need lol
bluejaysdiehard16
He was the best outfield player available and other alternatives were extremely weak at best. Even when we missed out infielders such as DJLM and Lindor there is still a lot of good options such as Semien, Gregorious and more. There are a lot of pitching options available as well with Castillo, Tanaka, Walker, Paxton and more if we miss out on Bauer. Springer was the players we should have got since he will vastly improve our outfield unlike any player currently available in the Free agent market.
bluejaysfan
Well said
Dock_Elvis
Lord can we drop the “Castillo was available” stuff….apparently he wasnt.
its_happening
Gray is available, and the Jays should be all over it.
Guillo
I don’t think so ,Puig is much better than him
Springer 270 ave lifetime hitter (with help)
Puig 277(without help)
Springer 260 ave postseason hitter( with help)
Puig 280 ( without help)
Note: You can’t repeat what they tell you(Mlb comments) every day, you have to check the statistics.
stymeedone
30 MLB teams disagree with your assessment of Puig.
Dok1234
I can’t believe there are still people that use batting average as the sole statistic to compare players. Are you over 70?
Guillo
Seriously, do you believe in MLB?
MetsMosLoyal 2
If Puig was even a decent clubhouse guy he would be a 4th OF somewhere at minimum.
smuzqwpdmx
It’s a lot easier to pitch when you know a fly ball to center field doesn’t have to be right at the guy to get caught. If this means Grichuk in RF, then it also helps to know a fly ball to right field won’t be absurdly misjudged or juggled.
Joeypower
Done deal
Guillo
And do you believe in WAR ????,seriously??
Who is better for you Genius Trout or Arenado ?
mnsportsfan
Take notes twins, teams are actually signing guys!!
iverbure
Jays and twins were the winners of the offseason until today. Now seems like twins are. Smart teams avoid the the landmines of the Springers, Bauer’s and LeNahieu’s.
gbs42
LeNahieu would be a horrible signing. LeMahieu, however, is very good.
AndyMeyer
Smart teams sign quality players
jopeness
contact hitters age much better than power hitters. in addition, first round eliminations year after year, those fans deserve the team to try in the offseason
iverbure
The fans deserve nothing. The best way to run a team if you want the team to be successful is to do the very opposite of what the fans want.
its_happening
Twins are winners because they are doing nothing as a contending team while getting beat down every playoff? Yeah, not that hard to point out you could not be more wrong.
At least come up with a logical perspective, like “Jays need starting pitching before Springer” or “maybe they need to get a 3B bat”. Otherwise you’re part of the problem; don’t spend, don’t want to win, window is closed, rinse and repeat. Sure, in 4 years we will complain about this Springer signing. We will also acknowledge that a TONE had to be set with this team. All the young guys are pumped up and believers in this team. That’s the tone you set.
PhanaticDuck26
well said, guests… very well said.
Whifff
The Twins are executing their offseason plan to perfection. Build a team that can be swept by the Yankees in October.
gbs42
The Twins’ ongoing playoff failures against the Yankees are rather remarkable. I know these things don’t even out by random chance, but you would think eventually they’ll win a game.
MetsMosLoyal 2
It is a tradition unlike any other, the Twins respect that I guess.
bhd360
LETS GOOOOOO
joeyrocafella
C’mon Steve Cohen! Jump in with a last minute offer! C’MON
VonPurpleHayes
@joeyrocafella Not happening, but if you bang on a trash can hard enough…I hear you can summon George Springer’s spirit for 45 minutes.
joeyrocafella
He was a great player without the trash cans too… Plus I’m a big UConn fan and a Mets fan so I was being greedy. Oh well, the Jays will get good production out of a great CF in his prime
VonPurpleHayes
@joeyrocafella No doubt. Just having a little fun at his expense for being a part of that cheating scandal, but the guy is an amazing player, and will likely continue to be for some time. I respect his talent.
Rangers29
I think Joey was hoping he’d be an Amazin player.
Dumpster Divin Theo
With a name like joeyrocafella you gotta be a Mets fan
vinnie
You won’t sign altuve if you CAN because of the trash CAN scandal??????
VonPurpleHayes
@vinnie I didn’t say anything about not signing anyone. I just think that Astros got way too much of a free pass, and they’ll be some form of heckling for the rest of their career, and that’s okay with me. I’m not an idiot, I know Springer is a great hitter even without cheating.
rct
Why, though? Spending $25 million on an OFer when they already have three (four, actually) capable ones is a total waste of money. Money they will need next offseason.
MarkoRock68
@rct
Their current salary with Springer sits around 116-120 and 40 million is coming off after this year so how in any way does this tie their hands next year?
I Beg To Differ
How does 40 mill come off the books when their FAs for 2022 are Robbie Ray ( 8 mill), Tanner Roark (12 mill), Shun Yamaguchi (3 mill), Dolis (1.5 mill)?
I count 24.5 mill coming off the books.
smuzqwpdmx
Tulo gets another $4M on this year’s payroll from his option buyout. Not sure about the rest.
frontofficegm
Tulo’s $4MM, plus Chatwood’s $3MM and Yates’s $5.5MM. There’s an extra $500K if you include Anderson’s buyout. So $37.675 in total
MarkoRock68
@I Beg To Differ -You are overlooking the last of the Tulo money plus Chatwood and Yates are on 1 yr deals.
rct
@MarkoRock68: I don’t know where you’re getting your numbers from, but the Mets payroll for 2021 is already north of $150 million. Perhaps you are looking at pre-Arbitration numbers.
And they have four major free agents next year: Conforto, Thor, Stroman, and now Lindor. Adding $25/year for Springer was never going to happen.
MarkoRock68
Sorry I thought you were referring to the Jays. I agree the Mets will need the payroll space next year.
rct
@MarkoRock68 no worries. I was replying to a Mets fan lamenting not signing Springer.
wright1970
if the choice is Conforto vs Springer, then i take Conforto every time!! 4 years younger and trending upwards…..Springer has hit his ceiling already!!
jyosuckas
100%
ukpadre
He’s probably too busy sorting through unsolicited dick pics. Classy franchise.
JOHNSmith2778
Exactly what did the Mets do wrong? Information was known to maybe 6 people in the world, he was terminated in 10 hours on news that broke as people were about to go to bed.
If any organization should be worried it’s the Cubs. He was a part of their organization when it happened and one of their employees was aware and didn’t report it. Tried to cover it up. Was worried about a lawsuit.
DarkSide830
ugh shouldve predicted this over Boston. it was so close for me too.
Jal179
Darkside— remember from the Yates thread? I called this haha.
jimmertee
Jal, I told you the Jays had to overpay. Everyone else was 5 years.
Since you’ll be remembering me, How about red roses on valentines day?
Jal179
I’ll make them blue roses
I thought they’d overlay on AAV not term. Regardless, the Jays lineup is very legit.
MarkoRock68
Cred on this one – nice call.
Jal179
Thanks!
123redsox
A lot of people predicted it. It was kind of a no brainer. Centerfield has been a black hole since pillar left. And springer adds a vet star with a winning track record to put around bichette, Guerrero, biggio and the rest of the young guys.
mlb1225
I had the White Sox, but that was put to rest a while back.
Kelly Wunsch N' Munch
Thank goodness it didn’t come to fruition. Jay’s can have him.
Rangers29
I PREDICTED SPRINGER TO THE BLUE JAYS!!!! GIVE ME MONEY!!!
Rangers29
No, seriously. Your Boi’d like some money.
Moneyballer
If I gave you money would you stop posting your stupid homer Rangers posts. Rangers should trade for Bryce Harper, Mike Trout, Gerrit Cole. Rangers should sign every impact free agent out there. Rangers are world series contenders. Rangers aren’t one of the worst teams in all of baseball. Rangers Rangers Rangers!
Rangers29
No lmao.
BTW, I’m like the most realistic Rangers fan on these boards nowadays. I see people wanting Ozuna and Springer and Bauer and Hand and, and, and… But ever since last off-season I have been tame in my Rangers ideas. The only other player I’d like us to sign right now is a starter like Walker. I wanted a Lynn trade, but now the only other things I really want are Walker and an Odor cut. The big stuff will wait till 22′.
Moneyballer
You only think that, reality tells a different story.
Rangers29
If you are that confident about it then you can go back and look at all my previous comments, but I’m not gonna repeat myself.
Moneyballer
I have read all your ridiculous ranger homer comments, they are nauseating. You might MIGHT be worse than some yankee fans on here.
Rangers29
I sometimes like the back and forth we have. It reminds me that I’m smarter than some people.
BleedingBlue162232
Except for the millions (possibly billions) of people that know how to spell “boy”.
filthyrich
He could be a ‘Big Boi’ impersonator
BleedingBlue162232
Fair enough, lol.
PNW-JWS
I haven’t and will never go “back and look at all” “rangers29” previous comments. I don’t want to. I get enough fiber in my diet. I have a life…but it’s obvious he’s a homer. And also Simpson-esque too. D’oh!
lolzmuts
No you’re not.
ukpadre
This is technically true, but once those people start high school they’ll be ahead of you.
Moneyballer
Oh yeah you have a dizzying intellect, we’re all really impressed! The rangers should definitely hire you for a front office gig, you’ve earned it from all this wisdom you’ve shared with us on here. If fact, you should get manfried’s job – there’s literally no reason why you’re not running all of baseball! Manfried out Your Boi in.
jimthegoat
Oh snap!
Jal179
Haha— it’s happening Canada!!!
Damn rights— bring on the overpaid Yanks
Gothamcityriddler
Ahaha, careful what you wish for Ja boy.
kayjaygee626
Smells like gas? Must be the stove turning on finally
DanielDannyDano
You see these hands? They smell like gas…….
Bauer2anaheim
So am I almost a certainty now?
PutPeteRoseInTheHall
Jays finally get someone they go after? What? That’s crazy
Nothing
AAAAAGGGGGGHHHHHH!
LETS GOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
dman07
There is an agreement here. George Springer is going to be a Blue Jay. Don’t fail your physical!
PapiElf
The Blue Jays are finally making moves today!
bluejaymatt 2
This better not last more than 4 hours
DoritosLocosTaco
That’s what she said
stymeedone
And then they called the doctor.
metsfan1992
He will probably be moved in 3 years tops
thelastonetodie
That’s all you got? Jays will be peak at that point, and the Mets will be cash strapped, over the tax line and still worse than the braves..
User 2802304835
Jays peaked in 2020
filthyrich
Jays peaked in 93 if you really wanna make it sting
But We Goin To Tha Ship this year!
User 2802304835
no… 3rd place
rct
Dude, let it go. Please stop giving Mets fans a bad name.
Jal179
Thinking 5/135…. any guesses on contract? Suspect player opt outs at year 1,2,3…
Cap & Crunch
Imma go 5/110
Player opt outs after 2 and 3 (that he never takes)
thelastonetodie
I’m guessing 6 years, the last an option with a big buyout. The extra year, not the cash got it done. Just my guess though
thelastonetodie
Heard it here first
Jal179
Good call. I figured a higher AAV but the 6th year sealed it
iml12
6 for 150
giombrampton78
6yrs /150
Dumpster Divin Theo
I predict 6 years, 150 mill
Barkerboy
Can George speak Canadian?
Taejonguy
Eh?
GASoxFan
Whats this aboot? Its not that hard, you just have to swap your Dunkin Donuts for some superior Tim Hortons, eh?
DarkSide830
people and their nichey little local chain restaurants
Taejonguy
niche little chain? there are 4900 Tim Hortons in Canada serving 1/10th the population of the US and only 11,300 Dunkin.
per capita we are the donut kings! Don’t knock Timmies- it us a national treasure!
GASoxFan
Unfortunately, unless someone happens to have visited Canada (and that’s relatively few americans) they have no appreciation for Tim Hortons. I lived a few decades in New England and visited sporadically between the late 80s and early 2000s.
Tim Hortons > Dunkin Donuts.
Don Cherrys > Applebee’s.
Canadian $ looks > American
MysteryWhiteBoy
Tim Hortons is absolute garbage now, it was sold to wendys and then they sold it to burger king.
Back in the day they used to bake in house, now items are shipped from the states and they are just trash. I have one steps from my place and I never step foot inside.
iml12
Tim Hortons was all over the United States but haven’t seen one in years. Dunkin Donuts and Krispy Creme both better.
DarkSide830
and for what its worth ive heard good things about some of the cities in Canada. they are probably better then US cities in general tbh. that said as someone who doesnt live anywhere near a TH I just think people loving it is just like Cali with in and out and some of the people near me with Wawa (which is quite nice and has a nice local feel but is hardly unique)
lolzmuts
You can’t expect darkside to know that. He’s barely literate.
Lurking
Better than the grammar police who’s name is “lolz”
stymeedone
Lots of Tim Horton’s in Michigan and NY. Great coffee!
Joe Carters walkoff
Everything is baked in house still. The dough comes in frozen. Sour fella. Love tims. Sadly im there pretty much every single day on my way to work on my way home afterwards, or both lol
Scott_11
Sorry to break your heart but Tim Hortons does not bake in house. It’s baked in Brantford, frozen and shipped to the restaurants. I wouldn’t feed my dog food from Tim Hortons
Joe Carters walkoff
Wow yup. Sour fella. I was right
OilCanLloyd
Better than Vlad
Jal179
I don’t care what anyone says. Signing Springer makes watching Jays way more fun.
Cap & Crunch
Yay!
I like this fit-
Next stop Justin Turner to add some sage wisdom !
lolzmuts
Yay? Like a girl?
Cap & Crunch
Sorry Mets, (gruffs voice)
Hell ya bro, love the sign!
Now go shoot that slight overpay 3/35 to Turner , ink Hand 2/16 and sign Richards on a 1+1 and head to camp
Brew’88
@ Cap & Crunch: sage wisdom from a superspreader?
Ducky Buckin Fent
Lol
You guys are hilarious, man.
“Juthtin Turner thucks! He’th a ThuperThreader!”
Good grief. What will you possibly be able to whine about when the pandemic is arrested.
Lord.
I shudder to think where you guys go next.
Brew’88
assumed you shudder to think
Ducky Buckin Fent
Struggle to read a full sentence, uh?
Honestly.
What does your wife or girlfriend or – God forbid – kids think of how fearful you are?
“Well, yeah, he’s definitely a mousey little fella but he does do a great job folding socks.” Something like that. Bet.
Are you working on the next thing you need to cower from? Or too early yet?
Brew’88
or should I say shuddered thinking? Fear of facts is fear
Mario93
5yr 130 apparently
SleepyGorilla
It’s 6/$150mm
Birch
Bullet dodged by the Mets, if this is a 5+ year deal. You’re paying Springer for the first 3 years of production and hoping he can play solid in CF for those years.
thelastonetodie
Where is all the Mets fans now
calamityfrancis
where ARE
DT.J.B.
Who CARES
filthyrich
Hate to be ‘that’ guy but I believe it should be ‘whom’
hyraxwithaflamethrower
@filthyrich, no, it should be ‘who.’ Easy way to tell which is right is to replace who with he and whom with him to see if it’s right. Him cares is obviously wrong, while he cares is correct, so it’s who, not whom.
filthyrich
hyrax- the ‘whom’ comment was just a bad joke. The breakdown is appreciated, no joke there.
Hantoneenee
I don’t know about the others but I’m still here, and not shedding any tears.
MetsMosLoyal 2
Glad we didn’t sign this kind of contract! But I know how annoying we can get…we are kind of the chick who got some work done and all the sudden get flirted with…and we love the attention!
Carter86
Guess Mets will go after JBJ now
jakec77
I’m hoping they will check in with Milwaukee and see how they feel about paying Lorenzo Cain.
MarlinsFanBase
Yeah, because the Brewers are in business to make the Mets better; not themselves.
Dan Hunter
not an all left handed outfleld.
Cap & Crunch
All the Jays doubters are invited to take the walk of shame now ………..
Hopefully this ends the cringe worthy No Canada posts once and for all
Scott_11
Whether this happens or not, Jays need to trade for José Ramirez.
thelastonetodie
I wish, it would gut the farm. Wait till next year and the big SS class, see what the next level needs are first
Scott_11
Gurriel, Groshans, Manoah, one of the catchers.
Cleveland throws a pitcher and get it done
Taejonguy
not Gurriel, he has one if the best value contracts in baseball. give the Teoscar instead
MarkoRock68
The last stone -I am with ya on this – at least until the trade deadline. Byrant shouldn’t cost much for a rental .
Scott- Big pass on that.
Scott_11
Marco- respect your opinion, I know it’s a lot but some of these guys will be blocked anyways.
Too many catchers as it is, Ramirez will play third which would be Groshans spot. Springer will likely go to LF in a few years and Martin can take his spot in center.
I’m also hearing the Jays are after Brantley now as well.
thelastonetodie
Agreed. Get some SP cheaply now. Fill needs later,
filthyrich
Grichuk for Longoria? save the chips for arms still?
Which team needs a PTBNL included? Lose-lose maybe. hah
sufferforsnakes
Ain’t happening.
YankeesBleacherCreature
Ramirez has two very team-friendly club options for ’22 ($11M) & ’23 ($13). The Indians would be crazy nuts to trade him right now.
Scott_11
If the Indians were smart they wouldn’t let the same thing happen as Lindor.
Try and get something now while you can.
Just my thoughts.
sufferforsnakes
Here’s an idea. How about they just sign him to an extension, instead. I’d rather build around him than Lindor, since Ramirez is way more productive.
Cap & Crunch
I think a Lot of teams would love to make an offer on J-Ram –
It certainly would be a bidding war to the hugest proportions with easily 5-10 teams entering – LAD I believe would offer Lux Ruiz++ at least
I dont think its 100% he wont be dealt , but trade deadline this year probably the first thought of it arises if Cle is out of the 21 race-
I do agree if your going to dish him, doing it with 2.5 or 2 yrs is a lot better than his last year obv
MetsFan22
Does he want to win? Bluejays have an amazing future don’t get me wrong. But this year? I guess the Mets didn’t really want him bad enough if they didn’t even offer 125.
thelastonetodie
Umm, which team made the playoffs last year? Jays or Mets? Yes he wants to win. Mets have about 10+M to spend to tax, Jays have over 100+M and have spent up to 170 for championship teams. He’s a smart man
MetsFan22
Nobody is picking the Jays to do better than the Mets this year.
bhambrave
@Metsfan22: Bitter?
Orel Saxhiser
Nobody is picking the Mets to go to the World Series. In Toronto, Springer has a better chance to get there than he would with the Mets.
MetsFan22
Im was just surprised because I thought they offered the same. But I see the bluejays offered more. Gotta give props to them for wanting him more
MetsFan22
Dodgers fan scared? Still mad about 2015? You thought that was your year? Lol right?
gbs42
I pick the Jays to do better than the Mets this year!
Orel Saxhiser
The Dodgers have been averaging 102 wins for the last four years. They have gone to the World Series three of the last four years. They are younger than the Mets, so figure them to be even better in 2021. Again, they average 102 wins a year. Mets have not proven they can compete at that level.
MetsFan22
The Mets haven’t had a roster like they have rn….. people don’t understand that? Of course they couldn’t show they could win 100 they didn’t have the roster they have now….
politicsNbaseball
You thought it was your year too.
MarkoRock68
Actually yea some of the guys at CBS Sports and Espn are.
Cap & Crunch
You dont get scared when your the best team in the Bigs; you get motivated
Nobody in Dodger camp is looking over their shoulder, we are getting Our side of the fence in order and then letting the chips fall where they may
Any team can beat any team in the playoffs, theres not enough time or motive in the universe to ever get “scared”
lolzmuts
No one wants to play for the Mutts! They are a garbage organization with a long history of losing and stuff like their gm but oh we won’t talk about that.
So the big offseason for the Mutts- a backup catcher and they trade half an infield plus two pitchers for one year of a guy that hit .258.
Add that to one good pitcher and about 8 DH’s, and you have a last place finish! A riveting battle with the lowly Marlins!
The Mutts always have, and always will stink!
The Saber-toothed Superfife
Billy Crystal is a jinx.
Birch
The Mets have $25M to the tax threshold, but ok. See how happy you are paying Springer in years 4-6 at $25M AAV. Good luck.
BowTieGuy
Cano?
thelastonetodie
For sure, you have to pay to get the guy, he’s a corner OF in 3-4 years. Still have his high OB skills, he’s extremely consistent and with most hitters will likely give up his speed for power as he ages. 36 isn’t that old for a player, it’s not 40 ie, puljols, Harper, 9 years for Cole.
Jal179
This made me laugh.
1984wasntamanual
Between those two teams, I think he probably wanted $…the most of it.
SleepyGorilla
As you said Jay’s have an amazing young core and not sure if you saw, the deal is for 6 years…
MetsFan22
This is true the jays will be good soon. But how long will springer be springer?
Orel Saxhiser
How long will deGrom be deGrom? How long will Lindor and Syndergaard be in Flushing? The full Cano salary jumps back on board in 2022.
GASoxFan
Not sure MetsFan, although, I hear the Walmart stores around Toronto and Buffalo have sold out of trash cans tonight, so, could be for a while?
MetsFan22
We didn’t give Degrom 6 years…..
MetsFan22
Lindor will be a Met for the rest of his career. Not sure about syndergaard but Cohen will keep him or replace his production.
MetsFan22
Lol
Birch
You’re reaching for a comparison. Pitchers have proven they can keep their dominance through their mid-30s. You’re talking about a position where players lose their legs and defense starts to fall apart. Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Zack Greinke ring any bells? Name some elite 35+ yr old CFs in recent memory. I’ll wait.
Orel Saxhiser
It doesn’t matter. The Mets don’t have stellar pitching on board for when deGrom stops being deGrom. Top to bottom, Toronto is a better organization. You are one of those fans who likes to count chickens before they hatch, only to have to make silly excuses later on when “stuff” happens. You need more experience watching MLB because your kids-eye-view tends to not pay off.
Orel Saxhiser
You mean like Betts was gonna be a Met for the rest of his career? Again, you like to count chickens before they hatch. Lindor will have lots of suitors and the Mets will be in a payroll bind.
Ryan W
It’s true, the Jays will outpace the Mets this year.
thelastonetodie
Lindor wants a machado deal.. I’m happy we didn’t give up prospects to land lindor and then try to keep him with an outrageous contract,
AndyMeyer
Torii Hunter was pretty solid in his mid thirties.
Pitchers have also proven to fall apart into their thirties. You named 2 sure fire Hall of Fames. There are also plenty of top arms who’ve fallen apart into their thirties. King Felix
MetsFan22
Who said bettes would a Met?
AndyMeyer
Junior Griffey and Carlos Beltran put up hefty stats into their later thirties. It’s not like it hasn’t been done before. If Springer stays healthy and his track record as a hitter continues, then it’s a solid signing for a team on the rise
MetsFan22
True. Let’s see
AndyMeyer
The Metropolitans and their fans should be very happy with their offseason. Getting a top player in Lindor, a quality catcher in McCann and a solid reliever in May certainly moves their needle in the right direction. They can now use that money and address 3B and perhaps another starter. Can never have enough pitching. Ask the Dodgers
MetsFan22
Yeah the and Bluejays are probably getting Brantley too. Bright future ahead.
Birch
Andy, I will agree on with you to an extent. However, Torii Hunter, Griffey Jr., and Beltran all made the switch to RF almost full time at their age 33 or 34 seasons.
On the pitching side, I completely disagree. Felix Hernandez has not had a career that even sniffs where Jake has been. Jacob deGrom is getting better with age and is only a year younger than Felix.
Verlander, Greinke, Scherzer, Roger Clemens, Nolan Ryan, Greg Maddux, Randy Johnson, etc have all had incredible careers after they’ve turned 33. Majority of these pitchers show a significant dip at age 38.
I still stand by the fact that his comparison is ridiculous at best. CF is probably the 2nd most difficult position for wear and tear on a body behind C. Springer has a lot of value because he plays a prime position. Once he loses that defense (which he’s shown he may already have started his decline), he becomes a lot less valuable.
rct
Truth. I am continually embarrassed by the Mets fans on this site.
Fellow fans: relax. It’s been a great offseason.
AndyMeyer
Then most likely, he would have the same future in a corner spot ahead. The contract may be bad in the last 2 years but it’s a now contract. The jays are trending up with a solid young core and nothing on the books in the coming years. It’s a solid move
You might want to look at King Felix’ numbers before you say he hasn’t had a career that even sniffs where Jake has been. Dude has almost 1,000 more innings pitched and he’s only a year older. He was one of the best in the game in his prime. He was a machine
Birch
Jake went and finished college while playing as a SS. Obviously Felix would have 1,000 more IP as a player that broke into the league at 19 instead of 26. You also make a really important point while trying to defend Felix. He’s pitched a massive amount more innings than deGrom. Jake has that much less wear and tear on his arm than the typical pitcher his age. Should help his longevity, no?
You can’t possibly be serious that Felix Hernandez is on the same plane as Jacob deGrom. Maybe you should look at the numbers.
Joe Carters walkoff
Which is exactly when Austin Martin will push Springer to a corner. Stop the damn bickering ladies
Birch
rct: It has certainly been a good offseason. We still need a viable CF option (JBJ would be ideal) because we have absolutely nobody that can play that position strong enough.
The BP looks very strong now and I like the SP additions without splashing too much for a guy like Bauer.
Bottom line: sign a real CF, add some bench depth, get a reliable backup SS/2B
AndyMeyer
10 straight seasons of 30 or more starts. 8 consecutive 200+ innings. 6 straight seasons of 210+ strikeouts. 25 complete games with 11 shutouts. He’s had a legendary career. He was the definition of a horse. It’s unfortunate how the wheels fell off. Once that velocity dropped and he couldn’t strike people out, he ran into trouble.
The less wear and tear should serve deGrom going forward. But come on man, do you honestly believe King Felix isn’t on the “same plane” as deGrom with the stats above? Don’t be a homer
DTDATL
Birch, the plan for Springer isn’t for him to be a CF for all 6 yrs though, probably 3 at most.
filthyrich
183 career starts: deGrom has about 36 WAR
After 172, Felix was around 25 WAR. At 183 he would’ve been around 26-27.
Felix kinda sniffs Jacob’s career, but really deGrom is a pretty tough guy to comp!
Nice points Birch.
Does the start of Johan Santana’s career sniff the start of deGrom’s? There’s a slight chance deGrom doesn’t end up among that list of all-time greats. Would be sweet to see him keep it up, as a baseball fan.
Griffey switched later, but he didn’t play much period in his mid-30s with the Reds so that might add to your point. 120gp at CF as a 35 year old. On a 73-89 team.
Edmonds wins GG at 34, 100gp at CF as a 36 year old for a WS team in 2006.
He could be a Vernon Wells too. Might not end up one of the all-time greats. If shifted to a corner spot, still has that sneaky veteran value like Jayson Werth caliber.
AndyMeyer
Felix Hernandez had a 1.78 ERA in the 15 games that he earned a win in 2014. He was 0-6 with a 2.45 ERA in the 19 games in which he failed to earn a victory that season.
Career 2.91 ERA in 114 career no-decision starts. Second lowest in baseball history only to Clayton Kershaw (2.73). (As of 2019)
2.93 ERA in 119 career starts with 0-2 runs in support (23-65 record). Pedro Martinez had 110 such starts. (As of 2015)
Through 8,582 batters faced, King Felix 1,995 K & 579 BB
Clemens 1,953 K & 580 BB (also in 2015)
The King put up Hall of Fame type numbers and was one of the best in a decade of work.
I think deGrom has the stuff and pedigree to put up and or exceed those numbers. That’s how special a pitcher he is.
We sure have had the joy to watch the greats of the game
Birch
DTDATL: I agree and that was my point. The original comparison was Cey Hey suggesting deGrom will fall off a cliff before a CF of similar age.
filthyrich: I think Johan got off to a bit of a slower start, but he was definitely incredible hitting his prime. I can’t believe I forgot about Edmonds. My original point, which some comments seem to have taken way off the course, was that his prime position adds significantly to his value. Once he slides to a corner spot, he’s simply not worth the extra money. Six years is a long time for him. I hope he continues to play at a high level, but it’s much more rare for someone in his position to do so.
Andy: I’m not taking away from the fact that Felix was an absolute workhorse. However, he is absolutely NOT as good as deGrom. I would love if deGrom was able to go 200+ innings every single year, but he’s not going to ever get that opportunity.
You are ignoring the fact that the NYM during his career have had some of the worst management and training staff. He was pitch capped almost his entire career because of the injuries to Harvey, Wheeler, and Syndergaard among the other countless recipients of TJ surgery within the organization. His run support has been abysmal until recently. I recall him throwing 10 innings in 2019 and getting a ND because his team couldn’t score (could be wrong, but it was definitely a minimum of 9 IP). Again, his lack of IP on his arm will only benefit his career longevity and extend his success. Could he fall apart? Yes, but it’s not likely to happen in the next 3 years.
Dumpster Divin Theo
Andrew McCutcheon says hi
AndyMeyer
Ask King Felix about Seattle’s management, team and run support during his time there. Zero playoff appearances. He would gladly tell Mets management to cry him a river.
King Felix threw all those innings with NOBODY! Absolutely nobody. He didn’t need his innings capped. He went out and dominated in spite of one of the more disastrous franchises anyone has had to play for during that time. He held his head high through all of it
We seem to be circling wagons here. You’re absolutely correct in the fact that the less wear and tear should benefit deGrom going forward.
He’s a special talent and a joy to watch (even as a Phillies fan 😀 )
We can agree to disagree. Good spirited debate without name calling or stupid rhetoric. It’s late and i must turn in. Wish you the best, stay safe and enjoy the upcoming season, whatever it may look like!
filthyrich
0.89 ERA in 10 wins in 2018.
2.09 ERA in 22 other starts that season.
In 62 career no-decision starts, deGrom sits at 2.28 ERA.
70 career wins, 512.2 IP of 1.18 ERA pitching for deGrom.
In 51 losses, 5.44 ERA, not saying he’s perfect.
On path to be more impressive than Felix or Kershaw if he doesn’t fall apart. That stat in 2019 must have filtered out deGrom due to minimums, he’s creeping fast.
58 games 0-2 runs support, 3.00 ERA and a 6-35 record. Felix takes that for sure, very impressive.
4642 BF and deGrom 1359K & 284 BB. I’d project this to end up pretty close. Huge factor is how deGrom’s arm holds up over the next 5-6 seasons of course. Pulling for him, love watching these shutdown guys when they’re on.
Gwynning
@MetsFan- Lindor is smart. He is arguably the best Free Agent after ’21. He will test the market after this season and the Mets will need to approach an overpay on any extension… but all this is ok because the Mets are still the best NL team, right?
Lurking
He’s got a LONG way to go be in the same sentence with kershaw.
He’s the same age and doesn’t have a 13 year resume of excellence. It’s about half. Unless he’s not going to lose anything between now and 40, and Kershaw doesn’t throw another pitch, no he’s not creeping on Clayton. Just stop
filthyrich
The comment was about Felix being 2nd in ERA behind Kershaw for career no decision starts (as of a 2019 report I suppose). Restrictive category. But as soon as deGrom hits the minimum inning requirement for whatever that list is based on (100 such starts? I have no idea), he will likely be leading. Creeping up in that regard. If you set the minimum to 50, he has the lead already possibly? I could be overlooking someone else attempting to stretch an arbitrary point. deGrom ranks among those legends and projects to finish near or possibly above their levels in many categories.
Many other areas where Kershaw has him beat, especially considering the extra time to build that resume. 2021 I’d rather have deGrom, the 2021-2025 stretch of his resume is probably better than Kershaw (by barely a hair- the annual back issue for Kershaw only reason I prefer deGrom).
Interested to see how close they are overall once it’s all done though, these are 2 of the best arms of the current generation. Splitting hairs mostly.
Compare a 6 year Kershaw stretch to deGrom’s career and anything but wins would be close. I’m done for statdives for the night though. Happy to assume for now. And accepting your advice to just stop.
Cheers.
PS Go Jays.
filthyrich
Can’t help but add that I think deGrom’s early career magic will fade more to an Orel Hershiser type career than continuing his current rate and ending up among the elite horses that Kershaw will end up ranking amongst. deGrom built more like Hershiser and arrived around the same age is what brings that comp to mind.
Fears of Kershaw’s workload catching up to him is what has me preferring deGrom by that hair mentioned earlier. Hoping he learned to manage himself in a way that those fears are meaningless, looking fantastic still. Gives me a scare every season though I swear!
Shutting up now I swear, cheers friendos
Ryan_W
Mets GM was busy with something else lol
MarlinsFanBase
“I guess the Mets didn’t really want him bad enough if they didn’t even offer 125.” – @MetsFan22
Uh, the reports were that they both offered essentially the same deal. This is just another case of the guy who got dumped saying that he didn’t like the hot chick any way.
The fact that Springer chose to sign with Toronto to play in Buffalo and Canada tells you a lot about how he feels about the Mets as an organization and their chances to win. And considering that Lindor has not committed to the Mets and dodged those questions during his press release made it clear that his thoughts aren’t that different from Springer and others – and that the Mets are gonna have to pay top dollar to keep him too.
As for people picking between the Blue Jays and Mets for better season this year, when those person’s picking the Mets are Ron Darling, Anthony DiComo, Mark DeRosa, Matt Cerrone, Joel Sherman (see a pattern here), I think logical people aren’t giving it any weight because they are the same people that talked about the Mets pitching staff filled with “five aces” for years. Which reminds me that I have to congratulate Joey Lucchesi because, bow that he’s with the Mets, he now will be hyped up as an ace pitcher.
Enjoy your Mets. It must be interesting to be a delusional blind homer.
IronBallsMcGinty
Pursuing the best available OF on the market and paying him like he’s the best OF in all of MLB are two different things.
dave 38
Best OF in baseball was signed for 12/430. 150 is a touch lower
Orel Saxhiser
The Jays have done an excellent job with this rebuild. Some tough decisions early on and they had to swallow some contracts, but they did it the bright way. No half-way, a well-organized rebuild. They didn’t just retool the big-league roster but also the entire organization. A really bright future. If they can reel in one top-of-the-rotation arm, they can do lots of damage now.
lolzmuts
This is a pointless comment. You need to do better, or if you have nothing just don’t comment. You can live without the attention, I promise.
Lurking
Read your own comment. Learn from your complaints about others
At least his was about baseball. Get a life
Nervehammer
Blue Jays fans, as an Astros fan, if you can find it in your heart to forgive Springer as he plays for your team, please find it in your heart to forgive our team, the Astros. Springer was one of the main beneficiaries according to number of bangs. How well it helped, I don’t remember. I find the electronic sign stealing to be not only outrageous and disappointing, but theft and vandalism of one of my most cherished sports memories, but still, as always, I will route for H-Town.
DarkSide830
euh yeah dont think it works that way
lolzmuts
Look at what you submitted, and tell me if you can find the words that aren’t actually words.
sufferforsnakes
Houston Asterisks
Cap & Crunch
Solid post my man… deserves an upvote by any eyes that gaze upon it
If Hou would have just came out and been honest like you just did I really think it would have helped a ton
Humility isnt commonplace around here, nice of you to drop by and show us how its done!
Between the Texans Rockets and Astros debacle I do feel bad for the level headed Houston fans such as yourself…Rough Rough Rough last couple of years when all 3 franchises seemingly were on the upswing just recently
jaysfan1975 2
Yes!!! Finally!!
davidk1979
Passan reporting it’ll be done as soon as he gets to Dunedin FYI see teams drs
Larry David's Joe Pepitone Jersey
Heyman is reporting 6 years/$150MM.
If that’s true, I’m not too angry at the Mets for conceding on this one.
iml12
Doesn’t seem like a horrible deal. 25 million a year was right around all the projections. Dj has to be slightly ticked at his agent right now
Cap & Crunch
Def an overpay but heres why I dont mind as much for Toronto-
A- All the young cheap talent they have – Could use a guy thats played in big games
B- Wide open payroll short term, medium term , and long term
C- Fit a very obv huge need
They get to the playoffs 4 outta the 6 years he’s inked they will be happy as a team overall. Thats good baseball and you need good players to do that. Springer qualifies
Far as the Mets, I agree, its a good fold. They have 4 possible MLB quality OF’ers on their roster right now, one in which Conforto they will need to address next year. I like Almora as a late inn def guy as well for the 5th spot
Grade_1_teacher
It’s about time!
User 2802304835
ughhhhh… the 2021 Blue Jays are gonna be the 2020 Reds
Orel Saxhiser
Not even close to the same. Toronto is loaded with young MLB talent and has a significantly better farm system.
User 2802304835
yeah but they have all these big names and they’re still soooo boring. i would rather watch some random little league’s two worst teams play each other than the 2020 Reds/2020-202x jays. i’m calling it… teoscar and bichette will be moved at the deadline
Greenmamba559
Dang, Mets fans were chirping pretty loudly that their new owner got some deep pockets and is going to spend. Guess only on Lindor. Not too shabby but when he’s been asking fans on twitter who to sign and not signing any of them it is kind of funny.
Birch
You really are daft. Just because he’s got huge pockets, means he should just gobble up every player in the market? He said he’s going to spend, but spend wisely. Springer for SIX years at $25M is not smart spending. I don’t care what you think your argument is, it’s not.
The Mets acquired, arguably, a top 5 player in the entire sport who is about to hit a contract year. He’s probably going to offer him $30-35M a season and somehow you’re going to sit at your desk and criticize a guy for not spending. He pulled the trigger on Lindor being well aware of the extension costs.
Greenmamba559
I’m daft because several Mets fans have posted in the last idk month or so that they’re getting one of if not all of springer realmuto or Bauer? You’re really sitting here with a straight face saying there weren’t a ton of people saying Cohen is going to spend like crazy? And me bringing that up morphs into me directly saying cohens got deep pockets? Really I’m the daft one? Has this new owner not been on Twitter asking fans or am I living in another world? Or is it a fantasy that literally the article right before this one where the jays were closing in on springer, there weren’t a bunch of different Mets fans saying
“Let’s go Mets go get him!” “Still time to be a Met” and crap like that in the comments. Ok might wanna check the mirror on the daft one guy.
Hantoneenee
I’m a Mets fan and I don’t listen to many Mets Fans.
Joe Carters walkoff
Yes 30 to 35 million for 10 or 12 yrs. So much better then 6 at 25. I smell a walking talking contradiction
YankeesBleacherCreature
You’re forgetting they also got Carlos Carrasco. Signed James McCann and Trevor May. I think Cohen lived up pretty good to his word and is probably not done shopping.
Greenmamba559
O I know, I’m just being sarcastic. Mets have done pretty good and if bentances bounces back that bullpens gonna be truly nasty. Cookie was a huge get for the Mets too. I love the Mccann/May signings as well for them. Especially like I said if Dillon bounces back. I was just having some light hearted fun. Apparently Mr. Birch didn’t approve and wanted to feel better by resorting to name calling first haha
DT.J.B.
Trevor May isn’t worth that money, I’ve watched nearly all his games, you won’t like him by September. Not that it will matter what he does in September cause Mets will be 12 games out though.
Birch
Calling someone daft is not name-calling, but sure thing. You’ve only pointed out these fans yelling that we would get Springer and Bauer because Cohen can afford it and admitted he will spend. You left your point at that. He said he will spend, but will do so wisely. Springer signs somewhere else, so now it’s funny that he isn’t “spending” because tons of our fans wanted him. You’ve already agreed with lowereastsider that they’ve spent a lot on other SMARTER additions. You’ve contradicted yourself on the spending point, just because fans asked for the most expensive FA and didn’t get him. You absolutely are daft.
Greenmamba559
I contradicted myself?! I never gave my opinion on the Mets spending, just what I’ve read on this and other sites. So maybe I contradicted myself in terms of what I think Mets fans will spend? So cool you got me there cuz you apparently you speak for all Mets fans. Just poking some fun.
There’s 29 other teams who’s owners aren’t on twitter asking the fans who they should target and then not getting those particular players. You know damn well 90% of Mets fans didnt even know who Trevor Mays is. Wanna simply skip that part and go right to name calling right and trying to say that mays/mccan are on the same level as the top FAs then good for you.
By the way if calling someone daft isn’t name calling then I should try using that for some of my customers who dont know how to use a thermostat. And I’ll sub daft for dumb in terms of you if it’s not name calling right?
jrhoades22
Over/under Ryu and Chicken Strip hit him 5 times in simulated games
theodore glass
Blue Jays FINALLY get their man.
Jaa1968
Toronto just won the East. Good couple days for them.
jimmertee
Jays need two starters, one elite and one very good and a 3B before they can win the East. They are not just one player away.
Orel Saxhiser
Pearson can be a very good starter in 2021. Get one other SP and they are in business. All the teams in that division have gaping holes somewhere. The team with the best depth will win. That could well be the Jays before this off-season is over.
filthyrich
By March or would July work?
I think your wishlist can be complete by trade deadline mr tee.
Greenmamba559
I wouldn’t say that but it’s clearly looking like nyy and Toronto out of the east. Can’t leave out Tampa bay even with their loses though.
filthyrich
I dream of a world where the Pirates trade with the Orioles to get a top prospect and Chris Davis. Preventing total payroll embarrassment by adding an albatross. Getting a prospect for doing a solid.
Then the O’s can bid on Bauer, another starter, an MI and bullpen help to make this a huge race again!
awall
Does it come with or without the trash can?
Geaux Astros
No trash cans on those clutch hits in the AL postseason 2020.
GASoxFan
What about buzzers?
Bluemarlin528
150 mil Canadian?
Aoe3
All of Toronto’s salaries are in US dollars.
bluejays92
Contracts are paid with Canadian Tire money and Tim Hortons ‘Roll Up the Rim to Win’ cups actually.
filthyrich
Bonuses paid out in hockey cards. McKinnon/Crosby or bust.
Diggydugler
salty Mets fans, you guys are paying Cano $24M in 2022 and 2023 (and if he wasnt an idiot 2021)
Larry David's Joe Pepitone Jersey
BVW, the gift that keeps giving.
casey21
Now go get Suarez and Castillo out of Cincinnati.
soxshortstop
An overpay but that offense should be pretty good
puhl
And suddenly, all that crap spewed about how trash the Astros players were because of the sign stealing scandal is all forgotten. Just like I said it would be if you could get any one of those players on your team.
Geaux Astros
True
bhambrave
Glad he’s not a Brave.
LordD99
Who says it’s forgotten?
GASoxFan
Let’s see if he puts up equal numbers in Toronto first before pronouncing him ‘clean and not reliant upon cheating to get results.
Geaux Astros
Big Astros fan here. Congratulations Blue Jays fans. You have signed a high character and solid CFer. Big-time clutch player; thrives under pressure. Will be a great presence to the young studs in Toronto.
stan lee the manly
Centerpiece in the biggest cheating scandal MLB has seen since since steroids. “High character” lololol
Geaux Astros
They got turned in by a disgruntled snitch who kept his ring unlike so many before them. No trash cans in the AL 2019 and 2020 postseason, and he was good.
YankeesBleacherCreature
So did Springer cheat or not along with his teammates?
stan lee the manly
Mike Fiers has nothing to do with the character of Springer. Neither does whether he is actually good at baseball or not. He was perfectly ok with cheating on a large scale, that is far from a high character person.
Joe Carters walkoff
Oh stan lee, moms got your cookies in the oven. Go back to reading your comics and calm down some
bhambrave
High character? You’re high.
C-Daddy
Where’s jimmer?
jimmertee
Jimmer is here. And I called the overpay to get SPringer. Everyone was at 5 years and Jays did 6.
thelastonetodie
I as well called the 6.. I’m a Jays fan, they usually have too, until things are settled with covid and travel, and a proven winner. Then back to market value
jimmertee
Last one, Kudos. Sadly yes they have to offer more, but I am glad they got it done. Now they need to add two starters, one elite and one very good and a 3B to go for the win.
thelastonetodie
I like the cincy trades, one of moose or saurez, and or one of Castillo or gray.. it’s a massive haul but with the money attached it wouldn’t be terrible. Although I strongly feel that vlad will be much better at third. He’s still very young and was super fat. Look how devers rebounded in Boston.
Joe Carters walkoff
Mets actually offered 6yrs at 135 mil according to reports being leaked
Treylum
Nice work! It’s not my money!! Go get some Rotation help and we will be laughing our way to the ALCS
DanielDannyDano
Excellent get !! Now go get JT Realmuto and steal some of AJ Preller’s thunder!
stretch123
Am I the only one who thinks this is an overpay? On top of that, I don’t think this contract ages well.
Diggydugler
meh slight? 5/125 would have fine but you add on the bonus year to get it done.
jaysfansince1977
Well lets see in six years how many long term contracts will the Jays have? Say they extend 2 out of the 3 of Vlad, Biggio and Bichette. Ryu’s contract is done in 3 years Grich(Barring a trade) is gone in 3 years so adding another big contract or two is still very doable.! as of right now Springer is the only Guaranteed contract beyond 2024
johns-11
Totally agree. Would have been great 2/3 years ago.
C-Daddy
When do big-name free agents sign for contracts that aren’t overpays? That’s how you get the player.
johns-11
$25M too much but it’s the price you pay living north of the border. Good for George. Keep the family fed 🙂
LordD99
Sitting in Jared Porter’s unopened email from Steve Cohen yesterday: Approval to offer Springer $150M.
Tiger_diesel92
Win a tainted World Series from cheating
Luc 2
You mad still? No one makes those jokes anymore.
MarkoRock68
Where is that fool Marty claiming no high end FA would play in Canada.
Big maple
LETS GO!
frankjovine
LMAO $25MM/Year. Good luck with no gate revenue. Toronto means nothing you are still 3rd best.
Melondough1
Big time sour grapes? Keep your head bud….there you will see the Jays at the top of the division
jimmertee
Jays won’t be at the top of the division without adding 2 starters, one elite and one very good and a 3B. They are much more than one player away.
citizen928
You do realize the Jays are owned by a media and telecommunications conglomerate that also broadcasts the games to an entire country of 38 million people?
I think they will do just fine with or without gate revenue this coming season.
jimmertee
Good on Shapiro and Atkins to get Springer. Huge overpay though but they got it done. Contract will be an albatross in 4 years.
Next step for the Jays is an elite starter and a very good starter and a 3B or Springer signing means little to winning.
shane
Even if it’s backloaded (which I doubt with the six years) 25 a year for the final two years doesn’t really qualify as an “albatross”. Especially with how rich everyone says Jays ownership is. He won’t even be sniffing his age 40 season when the contract expires. Plenty of good years (hopefully) in the tank.
iml12
Toronto isn’t a small market. If the Yankees can carry two guys making 35 million for the next 8 years the blue jays can handle an elite hitter for 6/25.
Mario93
Agreed. Without that 2nd ace type, behind Ryu, this doesn’t contribute all that much to a World Series. Which is the end goal obviously.
Thronson5
Blue Jays are always in on everyone but never actually sign them. Finally they make a move. Like this for them, not great defensively but can always DH.
jimmertee
Thronson, if you are correct, that would mean the BlueJays have 4 DH 1B types: Vlad Jr, Tellez, Hernandez and now Springer.
citizen928
Springer is far from a DH.
And Vlad lost 50 lbs this off season. Lets see what he can do defensively now.
jimmertee
Citizen, I agree with you. Springer can man CF for the Jays and do it well.
As for Vlad Jr, he is a 1BDH. No way on this planet he plays at 3B on a championship calibre team. At 3B he makes 2 outstanding defensive plays and boots the next one.
filthyrich
If Mr. Loaf can appreciate 2 out of 3 why can’t Mr. tee!
TBJ12
Springer is nowhere near a DH. Easily the most annoying Jays fan the site. Nothing is ever good enough eh bud?
Bluemarlin528
I wonder if he comes with a drum stick and trash can?
puhl
Don’t know, but he comes with a World Series ring baby!!!!
bobtillman
Every Red Sox fan knows George Springer is no Hunter Renfroe.
Hudson6
Congratulations Jays fans. The man can hit.
GASoxFan
Renfroe is no prize, but, at least he’s not a known cheater.
Grade_1_teacher
Good get for now but Springer will be Vernon Wells during the second half of this deal.
jimmertee
The Jays should get 3-4 years out of Springer. Huge overpay but good on Shapiro and Atkins. Now they need an elite starter, a very good starter and a 3B to go for the win.
Hudson6
So Bauer, Gray and Ramirez to go along with Springer is all you want this offseason? We got it.
filthyrich
In that case, there’s always the Angels. Maybe this time the Jays will keep the gem they get from the Angels instead of flipping it for a dud!
Kapostatuz
Door is wide open for Bauer to the Mets now! Let’s get it!!!
citizen928
You spelled Jays wrong.
Bauer will follow the money and the Jay’s advanced performance department to Canada,
damascusj
Wasn’t springer supposed to go to the Mets?
hashtahjimboutonwasright
Hey, look at you go, Toronto! You did something! Makes being in Toronto worthy of being…in Toronto!
aggie99
As a life time Astros fan, this one hurts. Springer was a huge part of the heart and soul of the team for many years… he played 100% all out, stayed positive, encouraged his team mates all the time and was a ton of fun to watch.
But Toronto is also getting a phenomenal person for the city and the fans. He will become a Canadian favorite. Congrats Bluejays fans, he is going to be great for some years.
GASoxFan
The pain isn’t springer leaving, it may be spasms from tetanus.
You can get it from a cut on rusty metal. You know, like old trashcans have.
Perksy
Not as much of a Canadian favorite as Bret “Hitman” Hart
gtb1
That’s a lot of money but he’s a lot of ball player. He plays the game with an infectious love for it like a 12 year old at Williamsport. He has been the heart beat of an extraordinary team and will be sorely missed by all true baseball fans in Houston. Great guy. Wish him well.
Moneyballer
So can Blue Jays fans please stop their incessant whining about not signing impact players now?!?
brian214
Hopefully this takes Toronto out of the running for JT. It’s these small victories I’m gonna cling to this year because there might not be much else for my Phils this year.
Orel Saxhiser
brian214, He’s worth the most to the Phils even though the roster has quite a few other holes. is this going to be their fourth straight year with no lefty starting pitcher?
Curveball1984
Wow… been a long time since the Jays made a big splash. I think they were wearing Black, White, Silver & Powder Blue last. Maybe. Congrats Jays fans. Maybe he’ll be on the Canadian cover of The Show.
iverbure
They signed Russ Martin for 82 million and got 8.2 war out of him. They also signed Bj Ryan and aj Burnett both huge busts in Toronto. Ryu so far has looked good.
Oilcan
Love it! Now cue the hate from the fan boys, disgruntled Mets fans and anti-Canadians on here! Who hates Canucks anyways? Really?
Orel Saxhiser
Toronto is a fantastic city. No Qanon nutjobs in Canada. A desirable place to play.
emax
Well no such thing as half pregnant, call up Bauer say hey Trev you want a shot at winning this year. We need you to do that. Give us 1yr. & if you get us to the dance we’ll give you a blank cheque….
MarkoRock68
I wonder if they will front load it . 35-30-25-20-20-20
1- If he moves to a corner spot after year 3 , 20m per is not unsightly.
2-It will free up money when the young guys hit their 2nd Yr of Arb or get extensions.
Dutch Vander Linde
He’s gonna be regretting it when he sees the Mets in the postseason from his couch the next couple of years.
jimmertee
Batterup, if the Jays sign/trade for some elite starting pitching then they make the playoffs.
Otherwise Springer is on the couch with his world series ring and silver slugger award. Boom.
iverbure
If the jays can’t make the expanded playoffs with their current roster they had absolutely no business signing Springer and shouldn’t have signed Ryu last year either then.
jdgoat
He’s a Yankee fan
Chemo850
Man….being a Mets fan is usually a crap experience, but today has been extra extra crap.
jimmertee
I wonder of the Jays will release Fisher?
its_happening
I’d rather keep Davis over Fisher. Davis is a legit defender in CF and I think given at bats against lefties he would not embarrass himself. Guy is all effort and should be a fan favorite if the Jays gave him a chance to just be the 26th man.
top jimmy
Huge overpay. He won’t be worth half that AAV in the latter years of that contract.
Simodine
The jays are doing what they should be doing. They have a young fairly cheap team. Got a taste of the playoffs last year and are trying to get better.
I’m not a Jay’s fan and watched a decent amount of Jay’s games last year. Defense starting pitching and bullpen seemed to be the issues. Yates should help with the pen. Springer should add offense and defense but pitching wins.
What is their current rotation?
Infield defense seemed like a real issue at times that I watched as well.
LikeCarterdidtoPhilly93!!!
Hearing jays making a run at Brantley now as well. Package deal? Is this the nba?
Rsox
Blue Jays are on a roll today!. First Chatwood, then Yates, and now Springer.
Good news for Phillies fans as it looks like a one horse race for Realmuto now
LikeCarterdidtoPhilly93!!!
Brantley and springer are buddies and same agency. Jays must be trading outfielders for pitching then. Gurriel, Hernandez, gritchuk, Vernon wells? Take your pic.
Gwynning
@howJoeCarterdidPhillydirty- How much for the Teoscar in the window? We could pay in Right-hander currency…
filthyrich
Gwynning makes me assume Padres?
I’d try to use mirror tricks to make it a lefty, but if it’s gotta be right-hander currency, Lange + Espinoza? Who rejects? Jays maybe fire the person making that offer, hold out for one of the lefty prospects, try a different team, or best bet to keep him around!
Patino was my first thought, oops.
Gwynning
Fresh out of Patiños, lo siento. Maybe we could strike a deal though; stay tuned. Cheers on the signings, hope Kirbs rebounds with 50 saves for you Canucks. Solid dude!
Timster428
Jeff Passan reported Springer was going to sign with the Mets but Porter kept sending him pics.
PinstripedPride
I am not looking forward to facing Springer 18 or 19 times every year. He’s a gamer, and the Blue Jays lineup just got a lot better.
RobM
Look at the positive. Maybe you’ll see less of Randal Gruchuk, who hit 8 HRs and slugged well over .600 against the Yankees in 2019.
PinstripedPride
Fair point, I do hate Grichuk
jmaverik
Glad to see him get paid. Very deserving. Sorry to lose him in Houston, but happy for Springer. Toronto just got a lot better.
RobM
So the Blue Jays have signed a potentially high-impact closer, and the best CFer in the game not named Trout. They’re having a very good offseason. Now all they need to do is shut up and stop leaking information, which gives people the impression they’re failing.
LikeCarterdidtoPhilly93!!!
They need starting pitching. Elite starting pitching, and a third baseman would be nice. Trades coming? Another big signing? Exciting to finally see the team spend $$ like the big boys. it may all blow up in our faces and of course we had to overpay to do it, but tonight it feels good to be a jays fan.
TBJ12
Why shut up? They didn’t fail and got their guys. Seems clear they quickly moved to Yates after the Hendricks signing.
iverbure
Cody Bellinger says hi
1984wasntamanual
Isn’t Bellinger a cfer?
iverbure beat me to it
VegasSDfan
Two words “The Mets”
Rofl
explodet
It’s a start.
YourDreamGM
130 would have been my max. Good for Jay’s fans. He has been great. Hope he ages well.
Budlight Selig
Overpaid, over 30, overhyped. BJs shouldn’t have paid so much and instead traded everyone with decent value to rebuild the farm. Maybe to compete in 2025-2028 when it’s less competitive.
patricktroen
FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS JAYS fans. Its gonna be a fun ride!
Biggio bichette springer teoscar lourdes vlad rowdy grichuk jansen/kirk
Thats a deep lineup!!! WS going north of the border yes!!!
Angry Disgruntled Sox Fan
Blue Jays got their guy. That is for everyone who said they wouldn’t just because of the cost.
BlueJaysMania
This is huge I’m so excited. I don’t mind giving him the extra year if that was the make or break to get him. If he has to go to a corner spot in year 4 or 5 that’s fine, Austin Martin will be up long before then. As the roster stands this is what it looks like.
2b Biggio
Ss Bichette
Cf Springer
DH Hernandez
3b Vkad jr
Lf Gurriel jr
1b Tellez
Rf Grichuk
C Jansen/Kirk (McGuire?)
I love for Brantley to replace Grich though.
So excited as a jays fan.
Hoping we make a run at the last piece of the puzzle… a #2 starter. Taillon, Gray?…
Gwynning
I live 3000 miles away without a dog in the fight but that outfield defense would make me lose sleep. Good ups Toronto, hopefully we can meet for a Piece of Metal soon!
filthyrich
Hah the bar was set at Gurriel/Grichuk/Teoscar. Might actually gain a few winks this year!
Mario93
I honestly would’ve preferred a guy like Byron Buxton manning CF in Toronto. We’ll be lucky to get 3 elite years from Springer. Jays window isn’t just 3 years, and then we have another DH on the roster, or a below average corner outfielder making 25 million for the last 3 years.
Not trying to be the party ruiner, here.. But this signing also forces Atkins and company to speed up this process, not sure if that’s going to bring the best out of the front office..
As another Jays poster said, without another Ace, and possibly a 3B, this doesn’t contribute much to winning now, and if anything, will hinder our ability to win in the future being this contract will become a problem. Just a question of when.
Maybe waiting a couple years for Austin Martin to hold down centre field. signing JBJ for the short term. Maybe trade 1 for 1 prospect, for different positions to get a real CF in the organization to develop.
I think the Jays could’ve gone a different route for the long term future of this franchise, which hopefully has a World Series on the horizon.. but this is the move they went with, and therefore because they did, they can’t stop here, because the prime of Springers career is already ticking..
Gwynning
Go get Gray and Suarez. Problem(s) solved, prospect capital be damned. Just keep your untouchables (Martin, whomever, et al.) and roll out!
Angry Disgruntled Sox Fan
Because Sonny Gray did so well in the AL East when he pitched last time.
its_happening
You’re right, Gray did well in the AL East.
Kept his ERA under 3 at Rogers Centre in 8 career starts and over 45 innings back when the Jays could really hit. Also has good career numbers in Tampa, the finalists in last year’s World Series. Also has strong numbers at Camden Yards.
So yes, Gray pitched well enough and he’s strong enough a pitcher to fill a much-needed spot in the Jays rotation while improving the team. Sounds like a good pickup.
Angry Disgruntled Sox Fan
He was terrible with the Yankees. So bad they traded him and gave up on him. Could have been a one year fluke, sure, but also could have been not able to withstand the pressure. I wouldn’t bet on him coming back to the East and being an ace automatically. Keep him in his comfort zone.
filthyrich
Not sure Buxton available yet.
Guy ended the year on a power binge, and stayed sorta healthy. Someone will be hurt by trade deadline, and if it’s not Buxton, he could be a prime target still!
1 signing Mon, 2 on Tues, gonna get 3 more and fill all those holes?!
drasco036
I love the short term impact Springer is going to make but I hate the long term ramifications of this deal.
Generally, when you agree to a contract with a super star, you know you are going to eat that last year of his contract, this deal I have a feeling the Jays will regret the last two years of his contract especially as it will relate to extending their young, home grown talent.
Overall, I’m not loving the Blue Jays off-season as of yet, I’m a big fan of Springer but I feel the Jays have basically threw money away on Chatwood and Ray when they should have been looking to bring Walker back and sign Tanaka or someone similar. I also don’t like guaranteeing Yates $5.5 million AND giving him potentially 4.5 in performance bonuses. Just seems like a large overpay for a guy coming off a serious elbow injury.
filthyrich
Solid points.
Red Sox paid Sandoval to play for the Giants while they won a World Series.
Not a massive obstacle as long as he can provide something in the first 2 seasons!
Showed willingness to cut a huge amount with Tulo’s contract, so eating the final 2 years might be in play for Springer.
2021 & 2022 seasons are key window, usually the Red Sox would have been in on this.
Yates a regular sized overpay? Even Roark a regular sized overpay. I think Hosmer, Cueto types when I think large overpay.
Walker likely thinks he should have started game 2 with Ryu game 1 so not getting a playoff appearance clinched him not returning in my view. Or the offer they gave was way below what he thinks he’ll land. Seemed to cut ties pretty clean with Walker. Curious.
Chatwood small overpay and Ray medium overpay. Both come with upside. If Ray can give 2-4 IP twice a week for the most part, that’ll end up close to 150 IP, and he was able to dance around danger when limited to 1-2 times through the lineup so he might be able to adapt to this role positively. Wishful but a shorter leash may focus him a bit. Chatwood out of the bullpen talks are intriguing, I’m not super familiar with him but anything to push Yamaguchi down the list is fine by me. Still feels like Tanaka or someone similar could be added. Chips are there for the trade deadline (or sooner) if not!
Valid concerns anyway. Couple more adds or a big trade could get you loving things still. Cheers
MarkoRock68
@Filthy
I can’t agree with you on Walker- I read an article today where he gushed about the Jays use of technology and working with Pete Walker so it would seem he would be VERY open to returning with that said.
Current payroll sits around 116-118m
1- Front load Spring 35-30-25-20-20-20
20m is not a huge overpay for a corner bat and if the last year is a write off so be it.
2- Sign Walker on a 2 yrs plus options
3-Sign Wong to play 2b and Biggio becomes super utility and insurance at 3b behind Vlad
(Saw a side by side of him today as well and its night and day the difference- the guy is FIT )
That team is good enough to stay in it leading up to the trade deadline and more teams will be out of it and looking to deal starting pitcher . We do not have to assemble the perfect team in pre-season by making big overpays with prospects in trade for pitching. Plus with no minors last year it gives our prospects time to improve and make a more educated decision on who fits our long term .
2 guys I am real curious to see have 3 months in the AAA rotation are Murphy and Merryweather. Either might blossom or turn into high octane Bull Pen weapons for the 3nd half.
filthyrich
Marko- love hearing that about Walker. Considering the compensation pick tied to Bauer, I almost prefer Walker.
Buff Vlad looks real good.
Was thinking about the options competing in spring training for the last rotation and bullpen spots, the first 2-3 months of the season quite curious here as well, but the spring battles really top of mind today.
The 26 man roster rules were supposed to be:
Teams will be limited to carrying 13 pitchers except from September 1 to the end of the regular season, when this limit rises to 14.
Ryu, ?, Pearson, Roark, internal option.
Stripling, Ray long pen,
Yates, ?, Dolis, Romano, Chatwood, internal option.
If a top 3 SP is added, and another closer type, that’s only 2 spots for like a dozen guys to fight over.
Does Yamaguchi, Waguespack, Reid-Foley even survive the 40man? Some of the younger unknowns may make it over these names.
And a 26man spot becomes less likely if 2 other arms are added.
Borucki has to have a lead on 1 of the openings. Merryweather on another due to no option remaining.
Hatch/Kay/Murphy/Merryweather/Thornton/Zeuch/Cole in the mix once an injury or 5 creeps up among the top tier guys. Or possibly allowing Pearson to stretch himself out for a month or two in the minors while showcasing a more fringe name.
Roark has options, might see that if everyone else is shining and he still can’t find it. A trade for PTBNL would seem more likely than eating the minor league innings though.
Piggyback Ray with Roark, and Stripling with the winner of the 5 spot- Merryweather/Borucki opener combo maybe?
As for the add, I’m still trying to recalibrate myself to consider options above the Ray/Chatwood/Cole level as legitimate options for the Jays. One of Bauer/Walker/Tanaka for SP, and one of Hand/Rosenthal/Colome/Melancon for RP would be my preference as of today.
Adding 2 from that RP tier and waiting to trade for a top 3 SP works fine for me as well. More chance to evaluate this group of young arms. 6-12 weeks before trading with the worst team out of NYM/ATL/WAS/PHI for a top arm. If I were king.
Good take Marko, go Jays!
damascusj
ThE MeTs aRe GoNnA sIgN sPRiNGer
Bjoe
Clearly he has no desire to win
MarkoRock68
@Filthy
I can’t agree with you on Walker- I read an article today where he gushed about the Jays use of technology and working with Pete Walker so it would seem he would be VERY open to returning with that said.
Current payroll sits around 116-118m
1- Front load Spring 35-30-25-20-20-20
20m is not a huge overpay for a corner bat and if the last year is a write off so be it.
2- Sign Walker on a 2 yrs plus options
3-Sign Wong to play 2b and Biggio becomes super utility and insurance at 3b behind Vlad
(Saw a side by side of him today as well and its night and day the difference- the guy is FIT )
That team is good enough to stay in it leading up to the trade deadline and more teams will be out of it and looking to deal starting pitcher . We do not have to assemble the perfect team in pre-season by making big overpays with prospects in trade for pitching. Plus with no minors last year it gives our prospects time to improve and make a more educated decision on who fits our long term .
2 guys I am real curious to see have 3 months in the AAA rotation are Murphy and Merryweather. Either might blossom or turn into high octane Bull Pen weapons for the 3nd half.
MarkoRock68
@Filthy
I can’t agree with you on Walker- I read an article today where he gushed about the Jays use of technology and working with Pete Walker so it would seem he would be VERY open to returning with that said.
Current payroll sits around 116-118m
We have 37.5 million coming off the books after 2020 so anyone saying Springer ties our hands long term are not looking at the Jays payroll commitments.
1- Front load Spring 35-30-25-20-20-20
20m is not a huge overpay for a corner bat and if the last year is a write off so be it.
2- Sign Walker on a 2 yrs plus options
3-Sign Wong to play 2b and Biggio becomes super utility and insurance at 3b behind Vlad
(Saw a side by side of him today as well and its night and day the difference- the guy is FIT )
That team is good enough to stay in it leading up to the trade deadline and more teams will be out of it and looking to deal starting pitcher . We do not have to assemble the perfect team in pre-season by making big overpays with prospects in trade for pitching. Plus with no minors last year it gives our prospects time to improve and make a more educated decision on who fits our long term plans.
2 guys I am real curious to see have 3 months in the AAA rotation are Murphy and Merryweather. Either might blossom or turn into high octane Bull Pen weapons for the 2nd half.
MarkoRock68
Sorry for the duplicate posts – the form timed out on me and I pushed the bleepin button too much.
JoeBrady
3-Sign Wong to play 2b and Biggio becomes super utility and insurance at 3b behind Vlad
========================================================
Is Biggio not already as good as Wong, or better? And definitely younger and cheaper.
filthyrich
That would be like Biggio starting 120 games at 3B and 40 games at 2B I’d guess.
its_happening
I’d sign Wong and play Biggio fulltime at 3B and deal either Teoscar or Grichuk. Biggio can be slotted anywhere and not embarrass himself defensively. By making a trade (hopefully for a SP), it allows Vlad to remain at DH/1B.
its_happening
The people who said the Blue Jays couldn’t sign a big name free agent are somehow not here. Can’t and won’t are different, and there was no such thing as can’t.
This move signals that the Jays must go get a pitcher or two. Bauer being one of them. My opinion, this Springer signing makes me doubtful that Bauer is in the cards.
Rumor around Toronto is the Jays are still interested in Brantley (why). Jays do not need another corner OF. SP and 3B. Don’t make the same mistake(s) AA made, address the problem areas. Let’s see who gets traded between Grichuk, Tellez and Teoscar. Better not be Gurriel.
Springer holds CF until Martin is ready. Should be about a season and change. Not a song by Expose. He is an upgrade defensively.
Jays fans, drink it in. Been a long time coming.
jaysfansince1977
I don’t know Guest, i still think Bauer is a viable target, After 2024 Springer is the only guaranteed contract on the books as it stands today, there are several contracts coming off the books after this season so adding Bauer and another TOR arm seems to be an area the Jays can easily fill with roughly 90 Mil before we even sniff the Luxury tax threshold. I do agree though that 3rd base should be a priority over signing Brantley.
BlueJaysMania
Do you really want Bauer for what he will cost though? Id rather go the trade route. I feel like we are in a position to really move some valuable farm pieces for controllable TOR starting pitching. As long as we keep Austin Martin, I think no one else is really untouchable. Even if we move some good prospects, our core is young and cheap. By the time theyre expensive, we will have half restocked the farm anyways.
jaysfansince1977
I assume you are replying to me Mania, I want a TOR arm, best case scenario two of them, Bauer is the best option through free agency, but i am not against filling the need through trades either, I still like the idea of a Cubs trade or a Reds trade through which we fill a starter role and 3rd base at the same time. But adding a TOR through a trade does not preclude the FA addition of another TOR arm be it Bauer, Walker, Odorizzi or even Paxton.. JMHO
its_happening
Mania – Yes. Absolutely I want Bauer in Toronto. Been saying it for a couple months and I’m sure other Jays fans are tired of hearing it from me. If Bauer is looking to win, Jays are now an attractive spot. If he’s also looking to build his brand, no better place to do it in Canada where they will jump on-board and behind him like no other.
Bauer is the guy. Sign him, drop Fisher, grab a 3B and either Tanaka or Paxton. I’m not that high on Odorizzi.
But my point on the Jays looking for Brantley is that they might be looking at dealing for a pitcher now that there is a crowded OF/DH situation. My feeling is they are out on Bauer unless he drops his price. I’d offer Bauer 6 years $170-mil. He’s better than Zach Wheeler and should be paid more than Wheeler, less than Cole/Scherzer.
Mario93
If we sign Trevor Bauer, we possibly win the division. Bauer will compete for another cy young next year. Bauer made an effort last season to use a banned substance, as do 90% of pitchers in baseball, which enables the ball to spin more upon releasing from your hand. A sticky substance pretty much.
A substance that Gerrit Cole himself uses.. A substance, my friend, that revitalized the careers of Cole, Verlander and Morton in Houston. The dominance of Trevor Bauer isn’t going anywhere, I think we should pounce right away on signing Bauer.
its_happening
Heck yeah Mario. As stated above, I’d pay Bauer more than Wheeler, less than Cole/Scherzer. Seems about right. IMO this idea of Brantley means the Jays will attempt to trade for an arm with one of their OFs.
Or the Jays should just sign Bauer, trade Grichuk, Roark and Jansen for Arenado, Freeland and cash over the final 5 years of Nolan’s contract, then sign Molina to a two year deal. Let him whip about 30 pounds off Kirk’s body while he mentors him.
doobiejc
That starting rotation is a mess. That is what will keep this team back. Plus stronger got overpaid to go to Toronto.
AstrosWS20
Thank you George. You will forever be one of my favorite players right alongside Bagwell and Biggio. You’ll continue to be even wearing a different jersey. The joy you play the game with is electric and so fun to watch. It makes sense why the Astros couldn’t resign him and it’s the smart decision, but it hurts all the same. I’ll be rooting you on in Toronto George. I hope you kill it up there with Cavan Biggio and Vlad Jr. Thank you for everything.
driftcat28 2
Shoot, I was going he’d land on the Mets. Much rather see that decline occur there
beyou02215
6 years is a long time to give a 31 year old. I’d bank on 3 good years and 3 albatross years.
dimelotitony
It is a good signing for Toronto a bit steep at $25 million of which in his latter years will be a corner outfielder but Toronto still needs pitching and you are leaning on the kids not to regress which will be the keys to their success. Signing Bauer anyone at $30-$35 million will be a huge mistake for various reasons: He is as nuisance & quirky of a player that you will have to put up with social media postings, he had a dominant year but alas in a shortened season and he has pitched in the Central bring him to the AL EAST he won’t be as dominant. so its BAUER BEWARE.
BuJoBi
Wheres @marty and his stupid comment Jay’s are the joke of the league, Springer will never come to toronto?? Well u know what they say?? Opinions are like assholes, everyones got one.
dimelotitony
It would be stupid to think a certain player won’t head to a certain team especially when money is involved and on top of that Toronto is rising and for the AL East that is a good thing now if Baltimore can right the ship the AL East will be back to being a powerhouse. I’m a Yankee fan and I say that was a good deal obviously to pay $25 million per year much as DJ’s contract with the Yankees taking them to like Toronto age 38/39 for both players you pay for the Right Now & not for what you expect the latter part of their contracts.
Both the Yankees & Toronto needs pitching right now Yankees offense is still better than the Blue Jays Offense what will separate both teams if no more moves on Pitching is the Bullpen that is where the Yankees separate themselves from the Jays.
As for the Rays as creative as they are they still lost valuable key pieces to the Rotation and Glasnow I’m not sold on him he has electric stuff but is still has a lot to prove even more now as the main piece of the rotation.
Boston on their end their offense is always good but once again the theme of this division is the pitching too many question marks but they will compete and that leaves finally the Orioles are years away still to be a contender if there is one team that maybe should even think about say Bauer/Tanaka it is them take a flier on a 1/2 year contract just to make them revelant their farm is beginning to make noise with 5 best prospects in the 100
its_happening
AL East is still a powerhouse. Certainly the best, strongest division in the American League.
Goose
It seems like an overpay, especially with his health history.
The Red Sox are going to get a discipline ball stuffed in their mouth and loved up right by the Yankees, Blue Jays and Rays this season. Bloom better have loaded up on the Astro Glide or it’s going hurt like a mother.
BuJoBi
Good signing. Jay’s were waiting for this piece to fall in place before they made and other significant moves. Now they will make a trade for a 3b, add a fa starter and make a few tweaks and you got a team ready to compete.
Great to have a veteran who’s been in big games to show the young group how to get there, and how to stay competitive. The Jay’s needed this more then they know.
Curious to see what happens with the remaining outfielders, I believe gurriel or grichuk will be moved, gurriel with the better return so I think gurriel and a prospect package go in trade for Suarez, gray combo. Or maybe I’m just hopeful on that one. But moves are coming for the Jay’s and they will compete in 2021 and beyond, watch out for this young core they deserve all the hype
bravesfan
Huge blow to the Braves in all honesty. He was a nice match but we were gonna fork out that kind of money, even though it’s justified. This just takes a good bat off the market making other good bats more expensive than they otherwise would be. Law of supply and demand…
solaris602
Braves would have never offered him even 5/125. AA might have given him 1/35, but multi-year contracts in ATL for FAs are extinct.
jdgoat
Love it. Bring in Brantley, ship out Tellez with prospects for pitching, and move Vlad to fulltime 1b. What an offseason that would be.
curtism88
I would have liked to see him on the Mets but he seems like a perfect fit on the Jays.
Stingray16
Wonder if the Jays are still in on Bauer?
chace alexander
A valuable piece in their 2022 playoff team. I think this year they’ll come just short and with another FA period next season, they rocket. Outside of catcher, their infield is great, and with this signing alone their OF looks pretty decent. Their pitching staff has some talent somewhere but needs a SP trade soon. And Yates will help tremendously.
Mario93
The signing of Springer puts either, Grichuk, Teoscar, or Tellez on the bench. Pick which one, because only one can start in RF, and only one can be the DH. So unfortunately, theirs an odd man out.
So judging by the age of these players, and the seasons they just came off, add the fact the the Jays are in need of lefty bats, while also factoring the individual salary of these players.. It all leads to one road, trading Randal Grichuk.
Grichuk is due to make 9-10 mill for the next three more years. Me personally, I’m not interested in seeing Randal compete for the strike out crown in a 162 game season..
Jays also may be bringing in Brantley, and if that’s the case, it’s more of a reason to get rid of Grichuk.
Tellez I’m holding on to. Tellez had somewhat of a breakout 2-3 months last season, I’m not trading a guy who hit better then Vladdy jr, and plays the same position. To me that would make no sense.
its_happening
Agreed on Tellez. Why the fairweather Jays fans want to get rid of Tellez baffles me. Last two years he has outperformed Grichuk offensively.
Grichuk is due $10.33 (cap hit per season) over the next 3 years. Getting Brantley means two OFs need to go, and Fisher is always welcome to leave anytime.
Mario93
Getting rid of that Grichuk contract once and for all would be ideal. Truly wonder what team would take him on
its_happening
A team with a contract to be rid of.
Rockies (Arenado), Cubs (Bryant and company), Philly (Segura and Kingery), Cardinals (Carpenter, Martinez, Fowler), note that none of these teams necessarily work with the Jays needs or have an interest in Grichuk. I think they can be creative to get a deal done. I have a feeling Grichuk is staying. Jays have put so much time and investment in him. Not excusing it, but just a feeling.
Darkside
This should help the Blue Jays close the gap a bit on how far back of the Yankees they are at the end of the season.
BobGibsonFan
The Jays were 1 game back… Yankees lost Tanaka, Paxton and Happ… I think the Jays may have passed the Wildcard Champs.
its_happening
If the Yanks are healthy the spread is wider than 1 game plus it’s over 60-games. Jays get Bauer and this passing of the Yanks can become a discussion.
BobGibsonFan
If the Yankees are healthy? LOL and if Tom Veryzer hit like Babe Ruth…
It’s fun to dream, but sometimes you need to wake up.
Wake Up!!!
its_happening
It is not out of the realm of possibility. I realize you dislike the Yanks. I get it. But it clouds your judgement, which is questionable at best.
BobGibsonFan
OF DH rotation of Brantley, Springer, Gurriel, Hernandez with an occasional Guerrero playing DH would be a great mix.
Darkside
Are Springer’s garbage cans a part of the deal?
its_happening
No but the Yankees Apple Watch contract expires so maybe the Jays will pick that up.
Mario93
Are A-Roids steroid needles still in the Yankees clubhouse? What about Giambi’s, or Pettite’s, or the other hundreds of steroid abusing Yankee players from the past ? If those garbage cans lead to a championship, same way steroids led Yankees teams to championships in the past.. We Jays fans won’t complain, as you Yankee fans clearly don’t .. lol.
Darkside
Hey Springer, when you walk into your new clubhouse, try not to smirk as you walk past the players you cheated out of wins on your way to your locker.
its_happening
Robinson Cano’s second suspension says hi. Clemens misremembers but says hi also.
kodion
Can’t wait (Yes, I can) for your crying when the Yankees realize they are playing catch-up after their fragile line-up hits the IL
Darkside
Considering they will probably end up playing in Buffalo again, Jays might as well don the NY on their caps and put the maple leaf on their jockstrap.
kodion
You should turn on the lights: You swing-and-miss so much, your OPS is in the negative
its_happening
Yankees should be prepared to be the 3rd best team in the state if the Jays play in Buffalo.
Darkside
I hear Springer did a skit on sesame street where he and Oscar both popped out of the garbage can, to tell the kids about playing fair.
creacher
Got my cans ready to bang for his ab’s!!
Darkside
I guess a Springer bobblehead day will be on the schedule.
Rumor has it that whenever you hit a bump in the road, the doll will bang two garbage can lids together.
I want one for my dashboard.
Darkside
Should be interesting when the Red Sox play the Jays and fellow cheaters meet up.
They may have to resort to putting a catalytic converter muffler on all the garbage cans to muffled out the amount of banging noise expected.
greenmonster08
Big market Jays finally acting like it. They are one of the richest teams and have been hoarding cash for a while and now they are flexing their $$$$.. DJ LeMahieu getting $60 million less than fellow leadoff hitter around the same age/term is interesting. DJ supposed to be the best player to have ever played the sport at least according to NYY fan/press?
It’s all moot anyway. Bloom just resigned Martin Perez, so ALE is there for the taking for the Red Sox. Jays and NYY have wasted their $$$$
JoeBrady
DJLM gets less because he is older.. And because TO has already missed out on a little star power.
That said, the $$$ don’t make a lot of sense. If position wasn’t an issue, I’d much rather have DJ for $90M/9 than Springer for $150M/6.
greenmonster08
DJ certainly on a nice run and is tailormade for Yankee Stadium as his serious splits will attest to but he just has the look and feel of a player who will be lumbering around in near future. The biggest reason for pay inequity other than Jay’s slight overpay is DJ just isn’t a star. He has no presence, charisma etc which has worked against him. Go to a game, there’s likely more Frazier jerseys in the stands than DJ That being said I am fine with DJ being traded to Red Sox which I’m sure is a possibility 🙂
JoeBrady
It seems like an okay signing. Happy for three years, unhappy for three years is about right. I’d say the biggest concern is that he misses about 25 games a year.
OilCanLloyd
Like most others stars, he’ll be above average till about 34. So ya, 3-4 years. But he won’t be an anchor the last two either. The top of the Jays line up will be very good.
JoeBrady
Too many people think in a straight line. The way I’d describe the contract is $30-30-25-25-20-20. Again, the injuries are a concern, but not the dollars.
jim stem
Well, congratulations to Toronto management and fans for getting their prize.
Maybe now we see other teams get more active with him off the table.
Grichuk to the Mets?
OilCanLloyd
Now sign JT. Trade Jansen for pitching.
Darkside
Sorry, Jay fans.
No matter how much money your team spends, you will always be Jake from Allstate riding the city bus, starring out the window as the Yankee limousine drives by and lamenting why you weren’t born to that kind of life.
greenmonster08
Yanees have 1 WS in the last 2 decades. That limousine is now a PT cruiser waxing poetically about our grandfather’s Yankees. Nobody gives a crap about the vaudevillians from the wet market known as the Bronx.
jekporkins
$150 million is about $60 million too much for a player that is on the wrong side of 30, whose stats are clearly diminished because of trash cans, and a mediocre outfielder.
They could have had Ozuna for roughly half that and he has much more upside.
its_happening
One guy plays CF, the other is Ozuna who’s already a DH.
Go back to sleep.
MarlinsFanBase
Congrats to the Mets for signing Springer….oh wait…you mean to tell me it was the Blue Jays that signed him?
Joe Momma
This feels eerily similar to Vernon Wells…
angt222
Mets fan here. I felt Springer was a fit on paper for the Mets in 2021 but honestly didn’t think he was worth more than 4 yrs/$110M. He’s a 31 y/o with a history of back issues. Probably doesn’t play CF after 2-3 seasons. Rather the Mets use their big $ on extensions for Lindor & Conforto.
solaris602
Aside from adding a SP, Toronto’s next step needs to be finding a taker for Grichuk. CLE has the need for him, but not at 3/10. He’ll most likely be moved in a 3-team deal with lots of moving parts.
emax
People kill me, if the Jays did nothing they’re cheap, won’t spend money and don’t want to win.
The jays pony up $150M over 6 & it’s too much for a guy who’s 31.
Here’s a fact – they have been in on all free agents, at the end of the day players have to decide if they and their families want to move or at least live in a different country. This is the battle the Jays face vs all other MLB teams…not to mention taxes.
The Jays just fixed so many issues, a true center fielder, the lead off hitter they’ve desperately needed and leadership that you really can’t put a price on.
Last part of my rant, the Jays are owned by a company not a private owner or ownership group. Rogers Communication who owns the team is worth worth 21.2B yes Billion…….the Jays have the most money at their disposal of any team. So at the end of the day 150M especially over 6 years is a tiny line item on a ledger somewhere in Toronto in the grand scheme of things.
Yankee Clipper
Finally! Congratulations Jays and Jays fans! I think the short-term frustration was worth it for this, especially if a Brantley deal comes to fruition. Jays could, with some starting pitching additions, become a serious problem for the AL for the foreseeable future.
As a Yankees fan, ugh, Springer……I can already see the bottom of the ninth wall-offs occurring.
jim stem
With Springer now signed, look for the Mets to resort to plan B for center, whatever that was. It does free up $$ for another pitcher if they want to sign another starter or Bradley.
You can never have enough pitching. Just because the Mets added Lucchesi, I don’t think they are done. I think they’d prefer to see Lugo back in the ‘pen.
deGrom
Carrasco
Peterson
Stroman
Lucchesi
with Syndergaard added midway and Matz (hopefully) bouncing back is pretty sweet.
Diaz
May
Lugo
Betances
Familia
…that’s a lot of experience.
It would make sense for the Mets to start stockpiling starting pitching prospects at AA and AAA, so I would expect any future trades to include young arms. Although it wouldn’t shock me to see Matz start the year in AAA.
Cap & Crunch
Love the potential of that pen
I too would rather see 1 more Sp at the expense of JBJ. Secure Almora and lets let the OF play out instead of trying to cram it together all at once
Garrett Richards and resign Justin Wilson. Good defensive utility inf that can play 2b/ss/3b would be nice as well – This still leaves you about 10 mill for the trade deadline to play with for a big move
chippahawk
Gooooooooh Canada..
Say Hey Now Kid
I wanted him for the Mets but I’m glad they didn’t pay that. Now get JBJ
fudd5150
He’s not worth it.
OilCanLloyd
Yes he is. Why wouldn’t he be?
BartoloHRball
Good for the Blue Jays. He was the best available CF. They likely overpaid a bit, but the front half of the contract should be fine. As another poster mentioned, it sets a tone, so that helps them too.
I’m glad the Mets didn’t bite at that number. 5/$110m-$120m was where I preferred the Mets try, knowing that TOR would have to pay $5m-$10m+ more if everything else was equal. $150m w. $25m AAV was just too much for him for this off-season. Nimmo will be okay there, with the $20m-$25m being better used elsewhere…like more pitching. They also need to resign Conforto, Syn, etc.
Bruin1012
Who signs Bauer now the Blue Jays have to be the favorites right? The Angels and the Mets would most likely have to go over lux tax line to sign Bauer. The Blue Jays have a ton of space left to strengthen there pitching.
Spare Tire Dixon
Now that they have Springer for CF, Toronto should put together Gurriel and prospects and try to get Jose Ramirez out of Cleveland. Their lineup would be stout
1. Biggio, 2B
2. Bichette, SS
3. Springer, CF
4. Ramirez, 3B
5. Guerrero, 1B/DH
6. Tellez, DH/1B
7. Hernandez, LF
8. Girchuk, RF
9. Jansen, C
MetsMosLoyal 2
AL East should be fun. My question to Jay’s fans is: thoughts on C? Comfortable with Jansen/ Kirk? I did not get to see Kirk play much at all.
filthyrich
28 PA at MLB level, 0 at AA, 0 at AAA, Kirk is a major wild card.
His bat in those 25 PA seems like it could find a way to be forced into the lineup.
Got a hit off Cole and Snell in that audition.
Had his teammates amazed at the top of dugout when he was fouling off tough pitches like nothing to it.
Very well could need some time at AAA or a shift to DH/1B(3B??) soon. Body just seems like a catcher. But not a full time catcher. A DH, with ability to catch in a pinch but pretty locked to DH seems most likely.
Jansen has had a lot of responsibility (and different pitchers) thrown at him, and considering catcher performance leaguewide makes me feel comfortable with him getting 60% of the starts, Kirk getting 40% and McGuire in the mix as the late defensive replacement (arm strength- joke and no joke, he’s probably got the best arm).
22 year old Kirk as the 6th rated prospect, 20 year old Moreno as the 8th rated prospect, and 24 year old Adams as the 23rd rated prospect plus Jansen and McGuire makes 5 catchers on the 40 man.
Yet adding Realmuto to the mix and trading one or more of the others would be much more comforting.
Pushing for Molina and the same result also has appeal.
Kirk has the most trade value I’d guess, Moreno not far behind, Jansen/Adams limited trade value, and McGuire none.
Beyond Realmuto or Molina, Jansen feels most comfortable.
A trade with Cubs would be the most appealing rumoured way to optimize catcher.
But adding a catcher takes away from the pitching budget, so rolling with Jansen would be fine if I were king. Especially with Kirk in the mix suddenly.
Jansen was one of the only playoff bright spots for the Jays, and knows most of the staff now. He was also primed for a strong season after a great spring, but the Covid wild card could have been a large factor. Will be interesting to see how a lot of guys ‘surprise’ with a more standard schedule.
smuzqwpdmx
I’m happy with Kirk’s bat and Jansen’s glove. Too bad we can’t combine them.
LordD99
Maybe instead try to improve starting pitching?
vinnie
Ufff
kelticknotz
I like George Springer he’s been a consistent top player for years and its great he’s coming to the Jays. The 150 million might be excessive, only because I keep going back to the Vernon Wells signing and what happened after that signing.
Someone mentioned about Springer hitting lead off and being hard to knock in 100 runs from that position. But remember your only the lead off in the 1st inning after that who knows. Also commenting that Springer has always played in a hitters park, this might be but the dome doesn’t offer the challenges of wind and weather, also with the current pandemic the Jays aren’t playing in Toronto any time soon, they’ll be in Buffalo and thats a hitter park for sure.
And the suggestion players have to be enticed to come to Toronto, that’s bull players get paid in US funds and they can walk to the streets of Toronto without the fear of some idiot shooting up a MacDonalds or Tim Hortons, its a safer cleaner enviroment
smuzqwpdmx
They’ll be in Dunedin, not Buffalo.
bobtillman
So the highest amount of the payout is in 2022. Don’t think owners are anticipating a strike/lockout?
jaysfansince1977
I would assume the signing bonus(10 Mil.) will be paid out over the life of the contract so adding an roughly an extra 1.7 Mil annually to the AAV
Murphy NFLD
I was thinking the same thingits nice 82.5 is paid out in the first half to
Aoe3
Springer will most likely be batting 2nd as his bat is more potent than the Jays current leader off hitter Biggio.
thelastonetodie
Yes it is, but have you seen altuve’s stat line past couple years who hit BEHIND Springer the past couple years?
stormie
Biggio helps break up the RH bats more from the 2-hole though and Springer seems to like leading off and obviously does well from there, so why mess with him?
Twizted
It’s going to be fun watching the Jays and Yanks bash each other’s pitching into oblivion this year. Especially if the Jays play a majority of their games in Dunedin. A lot of 11-10 wins at the top of the AL East.
ScrewballDownAndAway
So who are the 8 teams Springer put in his no-trade clause? That’s the real story.
smuzqwpdmx
Probably the west coast teams, since he was favoring east coast to be near family. Mariners, Giants, A’s, Dodgers, Angels, Padres, DBacks, Rockies.
vinnie
We are all waiting