For a long time, the Toronto Blue Jays haven’t been able to sign big-name free-agents, whether the reason is that the money isn’t there compared to other teams, or because the stadium needs a revamp. But finally, the Jays flew into free agency and signed star centre-fielder, George Springer to a franchise-record six-year, $150 million US deal.
Springer has quite the resume, with a highlight of a World Series championship in 2017 with the Houston Astros, and a World Series MVP award to go along with his ring.
Although there hasn’t been much success from the Jays since the 2015 and 2016 playoff runs, a complete rebuild has taken place the past few years. With the team now looking much younger and extremely talented, the young core played a factor in Springer’s decision to sign in Toronto, “It is a young lineup, but it’s a very talented, advanced younger lineup” Springer said. “I think everything that I’ve heard and everything that I’ve seen is that they’re very, very ambitious, that they want to win and they work hard.”
On Wednesday, the Jays held a press conference to announce Springer to the fan base after agreeing to his contract last week.
The Connecticut native is now closer to home compared to when he played in Houston, “It’s only a short plane flight away if I really, really want to,” Springer said. “We play in the AL East and it’s pretty close to home, but I wanted to go where I believed I was going to be happy, and I believe I am.”
Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro also shared his comments on what Springer brings to the lineup, “George was the guy that was clearly a good fit for this team, for this city, for this country,” he said. “For where we are right now, his experience will add a certain level of wisdom to our players.”
Now that the Jays have their guy, excitement levels are rising throughout the fan base. Spring training will begin on Feb. 27 where we will see Springer in action for the first time as a Toronto Blue Jay.
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