Report: Blue Jays making serious push for Springer
The Toronto Blue Jays are making a serious push to sign outfielder George Springer, sources told Ben Nicholson-Smith and Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.
The Blue Jays were expected to re-connect with Springer and his representatives this week and may have already done so, Nicholson-Smith and Davidi note.
Despite Springer's reported preference to play close to his home state in Connecticut, his interest in the Blue Jays is reportedly genuine, and being in Toronto isn't an issue.
This comes not long after it was reported the Blue Jays are struggling to lure free agents due to the uncertainty surrounding their home ballpark for the upcoming season.
The New York Mets remain in the picture as the pursuit for the three-time All-Star continues between the two teams. The Blue Jays have been connected to Springer since the offseason began, and they've been considered a finalist for his services alongside the Mets since December.
The Blue Jays reportedly submitted a five-year offer to Springer in early January worth less than his asking price of more than $150 million.
Springer owns a career batting line of .270/.361/.491 with 174 home runs and 458 RBIs over his seven seasons with the Houston Astros.
He hit a career-high 39 homers in 2019 while finishing seventh in American League MVP voting. He also took home World Series MVP honors in 2017.
If the Blue Jays fail to land Springer, Jackie Bradley Jr. is reportedly the club's Plan B.