TORONTO – Star outfielder George Springer signed his six-year $ 150 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays yesterday to be the most prominent free agent ever to reach a deal during this off-season.
Springer, who turned 31 in September, got the biggest deal in Blue Jays history. The previous sign was from Vernon Wells, who signed with Toronto for seven years and $ 126 million in 2006.
For stamping his signature on the deal, Springer received a $ 10 million bonus payable within 30 days. He will earn a salary of $ 22 million this year, $ 28 million in 2022, and $ 22.5 million in each of the last four seasons.
The contract contains a clause restricting exchanges. Springer will be able to compile a list of eight teams each year to which he could not be transferred without his consent.
During tours you also get a hotel suite.
The ranger receives bonuses of $ 150,000 for being named MVP, 125,000 for finishing second on the ballot, 100,000 for finishing third, 75,000 for fourth place, and 50,000 for finishing fifth.
He would receive $ 50,000 each time he is selected for the All-Star game, if he is the most valuable player in the World Series, if he wins a golden glove, or if he gets the silver bat. He would also win 25,000 if named the Championship Series MVP.
“When you hire a guy like George Springer, we all think, ‘Perfect, great,'” said Kirby Yates, new pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays. “It’s just exciting to be part of a team that is really trying to get to the next level.”
As a three-time All-Star, Springer had spent his seven-year career with Houston. He was named Most Valuable Player of the 2017 World Series when the Astros defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in up to seven games for the only title in their history.
Springer hit .265 with 14 homers and 32 RBIs during the 2020 campaign shortened by the pandemic. He received a pro rata salary of 7,777,778, instead of the originally considered $ 21 million.
Springer is a .270 career hitter with 174 runs scored and 48 RBIs. In 2019, he posted the best scores of his career, with 39 home runs and 96 RBI’s.
Springer will join a young core of the Blue Jays, including Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Toronto was 32-28 last season, finishing third in the AL East, behind Tampa Bay and the New York Yankees.
The Blue Jays made it to the postseason and were swept 2-0 in the first round by the Rays.