Despite all the grumbling and fuss about the slow outdoor season, George Springer eventually gets his money. All it took was the largest contract in Toronto Blue Jays history, a six-year $ 150 million deal, according to Jeff Passan, just the second $ 100 million contract the franchise has handed out.
The Blue Jays have been trying to spend money all off season, but it is often difficult to lure free agents to Toronto. Kiley McDaniel’s free agent rankings predicted a four-year $ 108 million contract for Springer, so he essentially matched that in annual value, just with a few extra years. For the money, the Blue Jays get one of the best fielders in baseball, albeit with some risk as the contract takes Springer from his 31-year-old to 36-year-old seasons.
First, Springer brings power – 39 home runs in just 122 games in 2019 and 14 hours in 51 games in 2020 – and positive defensive stats.