Blue Jays sign George Springer to a 6 year, $150M deal

[Abomination]

The problem is there's not much high ceiling pitching left in FA in this OS. Only Paxton and Tanaka can be had fairly reasonably. All others are mid-rotation or back-end. And, of those, Paxton is very risky in both health and performance after 2020, and Tanaka has a injury pendulum swinging over his head waiting to drop and his best years may be behind him.

 

This leaves Bauer. Would this FA spend on Springer & Bauer in one offseason? They definitely could. Just not sure they would do that. Would be adding 55M+ AAV to the payroll on two players. They still likely want to spend on the IF and BP as well.

 

 

I feel like the price on controllable, ace level starting pitching is simply going to be too high. We're (likely) going to have an elite offense. I think our resources are best spent shoring up the defense at CF and 3B. Buy a couple veteran SP who will keep us in the game and a good arm or two in the pen and let the offense go to work.

[THANOS]

I feel like the price on controllable, ace level starting pitching is simply going to be too high. We're (likely) going to have an elite offense. I think our resources are best spent shoring up the defense at CF and 3B. Buy a couple veteran SP who will keep us in the game and a good arm or two in the pen and let the offense go to work.

 

That's fine when it comes to building a team that wins the WAR totals. That said, time and time again, we see hitting get stiffled a bit in the post-season in favour of great pitching and defense.

 

I'd personally feel more comfortable with 3-4 SPs we feel really good throwing out there in the playoffs. If we managed to do below, I'd feel pretty good.

 

1. Bauer (with illegal substance in tow)

2. Ryu

3. Pearson

4. Ray/SWR (if the latter is up and performing)

 

If it was Odorizzi between Pearson & Ray, and no Bauer FA/Castillo trade, I'd feel less thrilled.

 

I actually want Bauer more than Springer personally, but obviously want both if it was possible. As long as he's using that pinetar variant, or whatever it is, to increase his spinrate, I believe in his ability as an ace going fwd.

 

Bauer will never get busted for using the substance either, because he hides it well, and too many SPs use it, like Cole, so it would domino too many pitchers' performance if he got called out. Also hoping his knowledge of analytics helps Pearson, Ray, and our pitching prospects.

[max silver]

That's fine when it comes to building a team that wins the WAR totals. That said, time and time again, we see hitting get stiffled a bit in the post-season in favour of great pitching and defense.

 

I'd personally feel more comfortable with 3-4 SPs we feel really good throwing out there in the playoffs. If we managed to do below, I'd feel pretty good.

 

1. Bauer (with illegal substance in tow)

2. Ryu

3. Pearson

4. Ray/SWR (if the latter is up and performing)

 

If it was Odorizzi between Pearson & Ray, and no Bauer FA/Castillo trade, I'd feel less thrilled.

 

I actually want Bauer more than Springer personally, but obviously want both if it was possible. As long as he's using that pinetar variant, or whatever it is, to increase his spinrate, I believe in his ability as an ace going fwd.

 

Bauer will never get busted for using the substance either, because he hides it well, and too many SPs use it, like Cole, so it would domino too many pitchers' performance if he got called out. Also hoping his knowledge of analytics helps Pearson, Ray, and our pitching prospects.

 

I think an Odorizzi signing and a Sonny Gray/Joe Musgrove pickup is a doable scenario. Gray and Musgrove wouldn't require emptying out the farm system like a Castillo trade would. None of these guys profile as aces obviously, but would instantly slot into the 2/3 slots depending on where Pearson lines up.

[Spanky99]

I feel like the price on controllable, ace level starting pitching is simply going to be too high. We're (likely) going to have an elite offense. I think our resources are best spent shoring up the defense at CF and 3B. Buy a couple veteran SP who will keep us in the game and a good arm or two in the pen and let the offense go to work.

 

Not to mention he isn't available, he'd cost a king's ransom...

 

Much of the Reds’ offseason has been focused around moving players (i.e. trading Raisel Iglesias, non-tendering Archie Bradley) rather than adding, and eyebrows were raised last month when it was reported that Luis Castillo’s name was coming up in trade talks. There wasn’t any indication that those talks were serious, however, and Reds VP/general manager Nick Krall issued a firm denial on the subject to reporters (including MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon). According to Krall, speculation about a Castillo trade is “completely false. We intend to have [Castillo] as a member of our rotation for 2021.”

 

[Ryu In My House]

Schwarber signing with the Nationals makes me feel that way too.

 

I hope you are both correct. I am not a purist, I would love to see the DH in the NL. It would make inter-divisional games a little less skewed.

[jerb]

 

Jon Morosi

@jonmorosi

 

George Springer’s free agent decision could come this week, multiple industry sources believe. The #BlueJays and #Mets are the two frontrunners as of today.

@MLBNetwork @MLB

[DigitalRock]

I think this is a must signing, it would be a big boost to the fanbase and club. If not the offseason will be seen as a failure.

[Krylian]

I think this is a must signing, it would be a big boost to the fanbase and club. If not the offseason will be seen as a failure.

 

What if they land Bauer instead?

[G-Snarls]

Get

 

It

 

Done

[wilko]

I'd rather Bauer over Springer. Let him teach all the pitching staff the ways of his "legal" cheating.

[dineke]

A 31 year old cf'er meh.. if we get in great but there are other options to improve the team. Bauer would probably make a bigger impact.

[glory]

I would also prefer Bauer based on the way the team is constructed. I mean I wouldn't be against Springer, but I'm very bullish on the Jays position player core (especially with Martin coming up). Pitching is way more unpredictable. Of course if the league starts regulating foreign substances, then Bauer would no longer be the spin rate god, but an overpay on a mid rotation starter (assuming that's what Bauer becomes without "help") is likely better than an overpay on a corner OF (which Springer will become in 2 years). Regardless, I'm fine with whatever happens. As long as the Jays don't sign anyone that gives off Tanner Roark vibes.

[Laika]

Springer reminds me of Jayson Werth when he signed his big Washington contract.

 

Take from that what you will... Werth had a couple of solid seasons with Washington but I really don't think Toronto missing on Springer should be seen as a travesty, especially if it will take 6 years to land him. Players his age tend to decline precipitously!

[z3r0s]

let's just do both!

[BTS]

Yup, Bauer is target #1 for me too. You can also dream on him being a bit more likely to stay healthy/effective because he's so thoughtful and receptive to data on things like spin and biomechanics.

[Ryu In My House]

Springer reminds me of Jayson Werth when he signed his big Washington contract.

 

Take from that what you will... Werth had a couple of solid seasons with Washington but I really don't think Toronto missing on Springer should be seen as a travesty, especially if it will take 6 years to land him. Players his age tend to decline precipitously!

 

It would be a sexy signing, but yeah, I think the exact same thing. I predict major production decrease after the 2023 season. In 2016 Springer had one of the better OF arms in the game. It's probably still okay a few years from now. Maybe he'd be a decent corner outfield after he starts to slow? Dunno.

[Ray]

let's just do both!

 

I'm probably in the small minority that thinks there is a decent chance of this.

 

The Mets seem like they're hesitant to cross the luxury tax threshold and want to add another reliever. We might be Springers only option, albeit that could change if teams believe their financial outlook for 2021 is better with every passing day.

 

I think Bauer has less suitors than we think, especially with the Mets, Yankees, and Padres all making their significant moves. I see Angels thrown a lot here, but they likely need a couple starters instead of making one big splash. Bauer has also clashed with Mickey Callaway (their pitching coach) a lot in the past. His main motivations in choosing a team seem to be winning, emphasis on data driven pitching philosophies and fair compensation. Our window is opening up, we have a state of the art facility in Dunedin with pitching labs he's free to use, and even if we sign Springer we could probably offer something competitive to Bauer.

 

Springer for 5 years, $125M

Bauer for 5 years, $150M.

 

Let's get it done!

[G-Snarls]

I'm probably in the small minority that thinks there is a decent chance of this.

 

The Mets seem like they're hesitant to cross the luxury tax threshold and want to add another reliever. We might be Springers only option, albeit that could change if teams believe their financial outlook for 2021 is better with every passing day.

 

I think Bauer has less suitors than we think, especially with the Mets, Yankees, and Padres all making their significant moves. I see Angels thrown a lot here, but they likely need a couple starters instead of making one big splash. Bauer has also clashed with Mickey Callaway (their pitching coach) a lot in the past. His main motivations in choosing a team seem to be winning, emphasis on data driven pitching philosophies and fair compensation. Our window is opening up, we have a state of the art facility in Dunedin with pitching labs he's free to use, and even if we sign Springer we could probably offer something competitive to Bauer.

 

Springer for 5 years, $125M

Bauer for 5 years, $150M.

 

Let's get it done!

 

Damn

 

I wish I had your optimism

 

I'd love to have both guys on those contracts but I'm not feeling much confidence at this point

[Abomination]

It would be a sexy signing, but yeah, I think the exact same thing. I predict major production decrease after the 2023 season. In 2016 Springer had one of the better OF arms in the game. It's probably still okay a few years from now. Maybe he'd be a decent corner outfield after he starts to slow? Dunno.

 

We'll see a WAR decrease as he slows and switches positions, but I don't think we'll see a major offensive decrease. His offensive profile doesn't really rely on his speed.

[Krylian]

I'm probably in the small minority that thinks there is a decent chance of this.

 

The Mets seem like they're hesitant to cross the luxury tax threshold and want to add another reliever. We might be Springers only option, albeit that could change if teams believe their financial outlook for 2021 is better with every passing day.

 

I think Bauer has less suitors than we think, especially with the Mets, Yankees, and Padres all making their significant moves. I see Angels thrown a lot here, but they likely need a couple starters instead of making one big splash. Bauer has also clashed with Mickey Callaway (their pitching coach) a lot in the past. His main motivations in choosing a team seem to be winning, emphasis on data driven pitching philosophies and fair compensation. Our window is opening up, we have a state of the art facility in Dunedin with pitching labs he's free to use, and even if we sign Springer we could probably offer something competitive to Bauer.

 

Springer for 5 years, $125M

Bauer for 5 years, $150M.

 

Let's get it done!

 

Didn't Bauer state that he'll only sign 1 year deals......or is he full of s***?

[Carlos Danger]

I like EZE's idea... Use our $$$ to pick up a s*** contract off someone as a condition of a trade for young MLB ready, near ready pitching or position studs.

 

It would help if the has been with the bad contract has some leadership and intangibles that would benefit us, but use dumping the contract for leverage..

[wilko]

Didn't Bauer state that he'll only sign 1 year deals......or is he full of s***?

 

I think he said he's open as long as the team is willing to work with him.

[Ray]

Didn't Bauer state that he'll only sign 1 year deals......or is he full of s***?

 

His agent has already walked back some of his comments regarding only going for 1 year deals.

 

His value will likely never be higher. I think he's going to take as much money as possible with as many opt-outs he can get.

[max silver]

I'm probably in the small minority that thinks there is a decent chance of this.

 

The Mets seem like they're hesitant to cross the luxury tax threshold and want to add another reliever. We might be Springers only option, albeit that could change if teams believe their financial outlook for 2021 is better with every passing day.

 

I think Bauer has less suitors than we think, especially with the Mets, Yankees, and Padres all making their significant moves. I see Angels thrown a lot here, but they likely need a couple starters instead of making one big splash. Bauer has also clashed with Mickey Callaway (their pitching coach) a lot in the past. His main motivations in choosing a team seem to be winning, emphasis on data driven pitching philosophies and fair compensation. Our window is opening up, we have a state of the art facility in Dunedin with pitching labs he's free to use, and even if we sign Springer we could probably offer something competitive to Bauer.

 

Springer for 5 years, $125M

Bauer for 5 years, $150M.

 

Let's get it done!

 

That would be awesome but I can't help but think spreading the available dollars around a little more would be prudent. The team is in dire need of infield help as well as in the starting rotation and bullpen, signing both of these guys leaves a hole in the infield and does nothing to address the bullpen. If Rogers says go nuts and allows payroll to increase sufficiently to address all the holes in the roster while signing two elite free agents that would be amazing but I won't hold my breath.

[G-Snarls]

That would be awesome but I can't help but think spreading the available dollars around a little more would be prudent. The team is in dire need of infield help as well as in the starting rotation and bullpen, signing both of these guys leaves a hole in the infield and does nothing to address the bullpen. If Rogers says go nuts and allows payroll to increase sufficiently to address all the holes in the roster while signing two elite free agents that would be amazing but I won't hold my breath.

 

Sign Springer

 

Trade for Castillo and Suarez in a package like the Mets did for Lindor and Carrasco

 

Lots of ways of improving the team

[Laika]

That would be awesome but I can't help but think spreading the available dollars around a little more would be prudent. The team is in dire need of infield help as well as in the starting rotation and bullpen, signing both of these guys leaves a hole in the infield and does nothing to address the bullpen. If Rogers says go nuts and allows payroll to increase sufficiently to address all the holes in the roster while signing two elite free agents that would be amazing but I won't hold my breath.

 

No they are not. SS and 2B are locked down, Groshans and Martin are on the way to fill 3B, Tellez and Vlad can play 1B, the team has 69 catchers, and maybe skinny Vlad can even pass at 3B for one year.

 

The team needs a stop-gap infielder at the most. It can be someone who plays any of SS/2B/3B because Bo and Biggio can move around. There's not a dire need for anything. Worst case Ontario just give Brad Miller or Jake Lamb or someone like that a few million bucks to cover 3B in 2021.

[max silver]

No they are not. SS and 2B are locked down, Groshans and Martin are on the way to fill 3B, Tellez and Vlad can play 1B, the team has 69 catchers, and maybe skinny Vlad can even pass at 3B for one year.

 

The team needs a stop-gap infielder at the most. It can be someone who plays any of SS/2B/3B because Bo and Biggio can move around. There's not a dire need for anything. Worst case Ontario just give Brad Miller or Jake Lamb or someone like that a few million bucks to cover 3B in 2021.

 

I'd argue that third base is possibly the biggest hole on the team. Look back at the last two seasons at the Jays third base production and you'll see that they've received approximately 0.1 WAR from the position combined. Unless you think Martin is going to be up in 2021 (not outside the realm of possibility) who does the team have available to effectively man the position while not simultaneously creating a black hole on offence? I don't see the Vlad 3rd base experiment lasting more than a handful of games, Biggio doesn't seem to have the requisite arm strength to play an effective third base either. I'm fine with a short term signing to fill the position, whether it's Turner, La Stella etc. that helps to fill the position until Groshans or Martin is ready to take over.

[Brownie19]

I'd argue that third base is possibly the biggest hole on the team. Look back at the last two seasons at the Jays third base production and you'll see that they've received approximately 0.1 WAR from the position combined. Unless you think Martin is going to be up in 2021 (not outside the realm of possibility) who does the team have available to effectively man the position while not simultaneously creating a black hole on offence? I don't see the Vlad 3rd base experiment lasting more than a handful of games, Biggio doesn't seem to have the requisite arm strength to play an effective third base either. I'm fine with a short term signing to fill the position, whether it's Turner, La Stella etc. that helps to fill the position until Groshans or Martin is ready to take over.

 

There will be all sorts of "OK" options that don't break the bank. LaStella would be great. Sign Wong and move Biggy to 3rd (I don't really understand people who have concluded he can't play 3rd). If we signed Springer, there's a great chance that Martin is our starting 3rd basemen in 2022, if not sooner. There's a chance he's Bregman or Rendon there too.

[DigitalRock]

What if they land Bauer instead?

 

I'd prefer both , but Bauer would be about the only signing that would change the offseason narrative.

[Brownie19]

I'd prefer both , but Bauer would be about the only signing that would change the offseason narrative.

 

That can't be true. Talk about setting unrealistic expectations.