Beyond the Nest: Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Hub

First and foremost, this is not a post that argues that the Blue Jays should get rid of George Springer, nor is it a negative post of any kind. Today, I just want to go over George Springer, period. His production, contract, and overall value are just some factors I’d like to discuss as we approach the 2024 season and possibly his future with the team based on what’s going on this offseason. The Toronto Blue Jays are in their competitive window, a window that’s slamming shut extremely fast. The team should be looking at all possible options to create a lineup that’s producing both offensively and defensively.

The Numbers

Springer, 34, will enter the 2024 season looking to recapture some of his offensive capabilities from his past. In 2023, Springer slashed .258/.327/.405 for a .732 OPS and 102 OPS+. Despite hitting above league average, this is Springer’s worst season offensively in terms of OBP, Slugging, and OPS. In fact, Springer’s OPS has declined each year since he signed with the Blue Jays (2021: .907, 2022: .814, 2023: .732). While he still hit over 20 HR and stole 20 bases, he is more than capable of hitting better across all metrics. With how anemic the offense was last season, it’s imperative that he improve, even in the slightest, in order to strengthen the batting order a little bit.

With the Toronto Blue Jays as finalists to sign megastar Shohei Ohtani, they will need to come up with money for a contract that will almost certainly eclipse $500 Million. This is where George Springer and his hefty contract can potentially come into play. Springer is signed through the 2026 season, however he is owed $22.5M in each of the next three seasons, AND has a tax hit of $25M each season for the Jays as that is the AAV of his $150M/6Y contract. That ranks #1 on the team in terms of the hit on the luxury tax. If the Blue Jays want to free up big time money for a big time player, they’re most likely looking at George Springer.

The Outfield Situation

Despite the money that a George Springer trade could free up for a star like Ohtani, the Jays will still have to address an outfield that has quite a few openings now that Kevin Kiermaier and Whit Merrifield have departed the team. Currently, Springer is the only full time right fielder the team has on the active roster, with Cavan Biggio occasionally playing there when Springer slots in at DH. Defensively, George Springer is the definition of reliable, putting up a total of ZERO Errors in 2023 in 1139.2 Innings in the outfield. His defense is likely what keeps him in Toronto, as external options just do not provide the offense and defense that Springer brings to the table. Daulton Varsho is all but guaranteed to be the everyday Center Fielder, but the team has ZERO full time left field options. That means a George Springer move must come with an outfield return, or an OF free agent signing. Right now, the current MLB OF market isn’t great, with Joc Pederson and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. headlining outfield free agents. It’s also unlikely that the Jays sign Jung Ho Lee from the KBO due to his price tag, sorry Jays fans.

Closing Thoughts

Do I want to move George Springer? No. Do I understand why he might be moved? Yes. But personally, I don’t think the Blue Jays can afford to move their leadoff hitter, especially given his heavy contract and age, and a return that will not bring any extra wins to the team. He has shown that he can stay healthy and I think that he will play a key part in the 2024 postseason push for the Blue Jays. While he may not be the same leadoff hitter as he was with the Astros, his leadership and experience is vital for any team pushing for a World Series. I think the Blue Jays know this and will likely try and find other places to shed salary should Ohtani pick Toronto to be his home for the foreseeable future. In addition, the OF free agents at the moment are just not good enough to replace someone of George’s value. I just hope that he regains some of that power and on base ability again for 2024, because we all know they can use it.