There hasn’t been much high-profile free agent movement so far this offseason in MLB, but one of the biggest names on the market appears to have two main suitors.
The New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays are the two likeliest landing spots for former Houston Astros star George Springer, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
“Executives believe this is a two-team race between the duo seen as the likely biggest spenders this winter,” Passan wrote.
The outfielder is one of a few highly coveted free agents, joining catcher J.T. Realmuto and starting pitcher Trevor Bauer. He hit .265 in the shortened 60-game campaign, with 14 home runs and 32 RBIs.
Springer also earned World Series MVP honors for his efforts en route to the Astros’ 2017 championship, hitting five homers in the series — although a sign-stealing scandal somewhat tarnishes what Houston did in the playoffs.
Still, Springer remains one of the best bats on the market, and he would be a player who might fit into the Washington Nationals’ plans. General manager Mike Rizzo said last week that the Nationals want to add a big bat to the middle of the order, with a corner outfielder or first baseman being the likely choice.
Springer’s going rate will likely price Washington out of the hunt, though, and Springer has more experience as a center fielder rather than as a corner outfielder. Plus, Passan’s report seems to suggest he’ll land with the Blue Jays or Mets.
“We are currently evaluating all pockets of the market, whether that’s free agency, trades, the high end, the low end for depth,” Mets general manager Jared Porter said on MLB Network Radio. “Springer is a guy who is gonna be part of that process. I think we’re open to shopping in all those areas. Doesn’t mean that we’re definitely going to shop in all those areas. He’s a great player and he’s done a great job putting himself in this position.”
• Andy Kostka can be reached at akostka@washingtontimes.com.
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