8:55pm: The “sense” is that Toronto is “gaining some momentum” in its attempt to sign Springer, Heytman tweets. The Blue Jays appear to be the front-runners to reel in Springer, who Heyman notes could get upward of $125MM on his contract, but the Mets aren’t out yet.
9:58am: The Blue Jays are believed to be “making a push” to bring free-agent outfielder George Springer into the fold, Ben Nicholson-Smith and Shi Davidi of Sportsnet report. The two sides were expected to reconnect early this week, per the report. In a related note, MLB.com’s Jon Morosi tweeted yesterday that Springer “could” make a decision by the end of the week. While that’s certainly not the most concrete phrasing, its juxtaposition with the Sportsnet update seems to suggest that Springer’s market is heating up with under a month until Spring Training is set to begin.
Earlier this month, SNY’s Jim Duquette said in a television segment that the Jays had offered Springer a five-year deal that checked in south of his $150MM asking price. MLB Network’s Jon Heyman pegged the offer in the $115MM range yesterday (video link), noting that the Mets’ best offer has been believed to be in that same ballpark.
The Springer market has been characterized as a two-horse race for weeks now, and Toronto’s primary competition in Queens has already spent aggressively to acquire Francisco Lindor, Carlos Carrasco, James McCann and Trevor May (in addition to retaining Marcus Stroman via qualifying offer). Whether the Mets would cross the luxury-tax barrier in order to sign Springer remains to be seen. Multiple reports over the past few weeks have suggested that Springer’s preference is to play close to his home in New Britain, Conn., but Davidi and Nicholson-Smith write that Springer’s interest in the Jays is “genuine,” with geography posing a minimal obstacle.
In terms of payroll capacity, the Jays have a relatively clean slate moving forward. Toronto has just shy of $68MM committed to 10 players for the 2021 season, and they’ll of course need to round out their roster with pre-arbitration players earning somewhere in the vicinity of the league minimum. The club has just $35MM in guaranteed contracts on the books in 2022 and $36MM in 2023, with zero dollars in guarantees beginning in 2024.
The Blue Jays’ front office has spoken openly about its desire to add top-tier talent this winter as the organization continues a shift from a rebuilding mode to a win-now mindset. Last year’s signing of Hyun Jin Ryu set a precedent for acquiring high-end talent, and the Jays are known to have had interest in virtually every top free agent and trade candidate on this year’s market.
Thus far, that hasn’t resulted in much actual talent acquisition. Toronto has signed rebound candidates Robbie Ray and Tyler Chatwood, and they’re reportedly meeting with right-hander Kirby Yates today as the two sides inch closer to a potential agreement. But the Jays have also finished as a runner-up on several notable targets, including DJ LeMahieu and Lindor.
At this point, Springer appears to be the team’s priority among the market’s remaining big fish, though if he spurns their interest and lands with the Mets or an unexpected suitor, the Jays could intensify their pursuit of J.T. Realmuto and/or Trevor Bauer.
water is wet
Finally a true academic scholar who understands the profound meanings of life…
Water isn’t wet, water is a liquid that leaves you feeling wet.
God, get something done already or don’t even talk about it.
How dare a site on rumours report when there are rumours.
His frustration does not seem directed at MLBTR for doing its job of reporting rumors in the news. Seems more directed at the Blue Jays for constantly leaking who they’re talking to. These rumors also are leaked by agents, but teams can control that too by letting the agents know it’s unacceptable and keeling quiet is a condition of doing business.
What Lordd99 said.
‘by letting the agents know it’s unacceptable’. LOL! As if the agents don’t know what is ‘acceptable’, or care. When they can get away with leaking they do. Almost all of the leaks come from the player side, trying to drive up a market. Rarely do the clubs have any interest in leaking.
Rare to find someone like this guy, who pretends he knows that a particular FO is leaking info when he has absolutely no clue. ‘let the agents know it’s unacceptable’ LOL!
Le Grande…I know you’re new so I’ll go slow for you. You’re welcome.
Blue Jays ownership owns the local/national media. Organization is feeding their own people their information. Very simple. Even you might figure this out. Anyway, try the veal.
Go start a site called MLB Trades That Someone Else Has Already Announced, good luck with it
I think his comment was directed more at Toronto than the site.
Lmao
Calm down Francis.
How rude. God never said anything about signing Springer!
I hope the market picks up soon
LFGM
The Mets did make a move today! They fired their GM!
Good move.
Atlanta jump in and save this man
No, Atlanta has no use for him. He does not fill a hole Atlanta has or needs to bring an outsider to improve.
This makes me wonder… Bauer to SF?
Bauer to the angels
Lol, for a second I thought you were serious about the Angels….
We all know the Angels don’t have pitchers.
Well, its a two team race and one of the teams, the Mets, may not be willing to cross the CBT. Sounds like Toronto has no competition, and Springer has a small market. He better hope the Jays don’t look in a different direction.
In this economic climate it’s hard to even image a dark horse emerging in the pursuit of Springer. Every team’s needs are pretty clear, and the big spenders are few and far between. Those at the top of the market will have to learn to take the best offer without hesitation, because there probably won’t be much of a fallback.
The Mets never said they won’t go over. In fact many times they have said the luxury tax isn’t a line that can’t be crossed and it won’t stop them from signing people.
Actions speak louder than words.
If they go over the tax this season they are are going to end up in a bad spot real quick. The farm is weak and Cano is back on the books next season.
Pretty cool that you provide so much insight in regards to Cohen @metsfan22.
It seems like you’ve learned a whole lot while serving as his personal foot masseuse. Hands on his toes but ears open, uh?
A lot of posters kinda discount you as nothing more than a sweaty foot rubber. But I appreciate the first “hand” looks you provide into: The Working of Steve Cohen’s Mind.
Keep ’em coming, lad.
I think Jared Porter may have changed how far the Mets will go. They will want to change the news channel quickly.
That is a good point. Cohen knows big money spent doing will change headlines. Maybe they will….
Seldom right and wrong again Le Grande. Time to either change your handle or save your money.
Geography: These multi-millionaires can afford to fly short distances.
It’s safer and easier on the body too.
From yee haw to eh. Seems like an upgrade socially.
I just got off the phone with the Jays. Apparently they’re interested in me.
“Apparently they’re interested in me.”
Good to see they are being proactive in hiring ball boys
I think its a guarantee Springer signs with Jays after Mets situation
Exactly the opposite.
Steve Cohen and Sandy Alderson want to change the news cycle from Jared Porter. They’ll do that this week when they sign George Springer. They were going to force him down but they’ll give that up now. Expect a deal in the 5/135 range. Toronto will offer more but it won’t matter.
All the Mets have to do is offer nearly the same as Toronto. Springer wants to go to NY, as it’s close to his Connecticut home. He doesn’t want to go to Canada.
If that doesn’t change the news channel, expect Bauer to the Mets talk to heat up quickly.
Not bad logic. And throw in that even New York’s high tax rate is considerably lower than Toronto, that means the Jays would have to do a considerable overpay to lure him in.
New york tax rate 12.618 , Toronto is 11.6
https://www.businessinsider.com/the-worst-sports-cities-according-to-income-taxes-2010-12
On 25 million per year the tax rate would be roughly 1 million higher not as much as people who do not bother to look up the highest tax rates think.
When it comes to MLB, Toronto is middle of the pack for taxes. The whole Canada Toronto tax shtick is false
Joe
That is only the state and provincial rates you are forgetting the federal taxes. Overall works out to 45.8% in NY and 53.6% in TO. Plus teams are taxed in the state/province the games are played. 81 home games.
Actual 49.618 vs 53.53 not much difference. Regardless. Its where he wants to be the most
It’s millions when you look at the entirety of the contract from a tax perspective. Just saying…
Jays need to top the Mets offer by 30 million and one extra year.
lol. No extra years and $10M probably.
Depends if Alderson values Springer as highly as Porter did. Although odds are he does and wouldn’t have allowed Porter to bid too high if he didn’t.
Smart but does Springer wanna go to team that signed a GM that sent a D pic.
Luhnow may not have done that – that we know of – but it’s safe to say Springer is familiar with shady former GMs.
I’d assume he doesn’t care since he no longer works there.
And you know all this how?
The Mets may have Cohen but the Jays have a great young core that’s setup to compete for the long haul.
The Mets have a great young core and Cohen.
BJ’s in on Semien…. wait for it
I’m gonna have sloppy joes for lunch, what is everyone else having?
BBQ chicken sandwich, Tuscan stew, kale salad.
I think I’m gonna hit some Wendy’s Chili. I don’t have a lot of time and trying to stay low carb-ish.
Go Jays Go!!!
I like BBQ Chicken
Attempted? Successful. The House, Senate, and presidency? Yeah, we are no longer in America of old. Watch the videos without right/left-wing bias. It’s incredible. Look at what Twitter, FB and the like is doing to free speech. It’s unarguable what’s happening.
Yeah, I forgot, many share the same sentiments as the gentleman above. If you believe nobody would attack Canada without America because of their social policy, you simply are living blissfully. I’m jealous of that. It must be nice to have no reality to reference.
BASEBALL PLEASE. POLITICS FOR ABOTHER TIME / PLACE
huh?
Whoa, I have no clue how the hell that jumped way down. Anyway it’s for the better. I hate politics and the discussion which is why I come to baseball forums.
Sorry it wasn’t intended for you guys. I don’t know if they deleted a thread or it completely crossed articles. It was in response to criticism of the US and people trying to say the US is fascist, etc. just stupid.
They even deleted my posts with Proverbs about relocation teams. Wow that was strange. But better yet.
They deleted the Portland team names?
No, my post below this one was part of a conversation replying to Proverbs post above regarding the Jays’ interest in him. I referenced the Mets GM and we discussed a team moving to Nashville in the future. That got deleted as well.
It tells me the moderator is probably a Mets fan – ugh. Or a “friend” of Porter, lol.
I see. Well, it appears firing the guy isn’t enough and MLB is doing an investigation. Doubt Porter’s thumbs will do any talking from here on out. I feel bad for his wife.
Well, there’s still hope I guess. The relocation discussions are always on the table. I have heard from a friend that Nashville is experience social issues (protests, etc) so I hope you all are doing alright up there. Stay safe.
How wealthy is the Mets Owner Cohen?
Is his net worth greater than Rogers?
14-15 B
Thank you
Yes. Roughly 2-3 x the second wealthiest team.
A small fraction of the Rogers’ Family Trust.
Rogers Communication net income was 15 Billion in 2019 with a net income of 2.04 billion.
the Roger’s family has no control over the team.
Think Blue Jays will regret spending big on Springer. Best years are behind him.
You may be right. They’d be better of signing Wong to a 2 or 3 year deal, dealing Grichuk and prospects for Arenado and a pitcher, move Biggio to CF and make a run at Tanaka for 1-yr or go all in for Bauer.
All of this is a total pipe dream. But one can dream.
I really think Tanaka will be in Japan. You think the Jays will pay him 20 million? I’m not so sure given how they’ve proceeded this offseason.
Clipper – No I don’t see it happening. As we discussed yesterday I’d be all over it. It would allow the Jays spending room for next year and beyond.
On the Chatwood signing I made a point of how 5 replaceable arms on the Jays are carrying nearly $30-mil and I’m convinced $20-mil to Tanaka would be a better investment. For one year for the Yanks reliable arm, nothing to lose for Toronto.
Mick10 I agree spending big on Springer would be a mistake for Toronto but it’s unlikely to happen. Put ‘Springer is a Met’ in your calendar for Friday.
Lol when was the last time someone tried to invade either country!?
Baseball, for the love all all things good in baseball don’t get this started with these people again. They will go straight to the capitol riot and this site is for baseball….. and the occasional sex scandal with the Mets.
Agreed Clipper. No need to dig into any of that.
How is Houston not in on this guy? He has been a star player for them- especially in the postseason- and his price tag looks very reasonable for a hitter of this caliber…
Does anyone know if the Mets firing of GM Porter have any affect to Springer’s decision?
George was on a team that cheated for a couple years. I don’t think he grew morals cause of a couple wang shots. Guaranteed money talks.
Not unless Porter sent Springer D pics on accident.
I’m surprised that Porter didn’t try to sign Wong for depth before he was exposed.
At this point since TO isn’t signing anyone just trade away whoever has decent value and rebuild again until a new owner who actually wants to spend takes over. Just build up; trade away and repeat until say 2030-2035.
Trolling much? Lol they just signed Yates and Chatwood and might get Springer and Hand too.
Trolling much? Lol they just signed Yates and Chatwood and might get Springer and Hand too.
If they get Springer, the Mets will overpay for Hand. They most likely signed Yates because they aren’t getting Hand
Springer to the Jays will be finalized in the next 24 hours. 135 million over 5 years sounds like the price.
Jays can have Springer. Mets should concentrate on keeping Thor and Conforto.
Dan Clark is also confirming Manny Machado to the New York Yankees.
Lol
I’d be ok with the Mets passing on him. 5/125 is what I think it will be and not sure if he’s worth that after the first two years of that contract. Again, offense wasn’t an issue last year and they just added Lindor. Get a defensive plug for CF for now.
Meaning, he prefers to play for the Mets, but if they can’t give him the years or money he wants, he’ll reluctantly join the Blue Jays
Idk, I wouldn’t be reluctantly turning down the Mets right now after the whole Porter fiasco.
That has nothing to do with anything, they fired him.
The Porter nonsense is probably holding up the Mets deal. And Springer camp is bleeding them while he waits with this blue jays rumor as leverage.
Jays have never given out a FA deal longer than 5 years so why would they do that now? Springer is good but not internal policy changing good.
This stinks of media hype to leverage the Mets to up their offer. Would love to know who is reporting this info to Heyman, Nightingale, Rosenthal et al
It’s gonna be the Blue Jays. George wants the money. Mets need pitching more than another OF.
Agree— Mets need to save some pennies to resign Lindor. Jays will probably have to overspend a bit to land Springer. That’s ok, watching baseball is about having fun and having George between Gurriel and Teoscar should be entertaining.
You know what, bravo to the Toronto front office! Getting Springer on a 25mill discount by waiting the market out is a dream come true. If a mystery team comes in last minute, plan B is fine with me. But find those odds low.
The big boys are tweeting about it now, sounds like its gonna happen. my Guess the Mets GM firing played a role, i bet he didnt wanna deal with all the drama especially after the stros scandal
The NYMs ‘drama’ is already over.
Offer him $145 million and seal the deal already!!
Now Jays fans can stop complaining that the Jays are not doing anything this offseason!! We all win with that!!
Hahaha of course no one wants the CHEATER!
Have fun in baseball purgatory- no, no, you MIGHT win this year!!! HAHAHA
Marty— you are such a knob.
Sincerely,
Every Jays fan everywhere
One day you’ll get that long awaited hug you clearly keep missing out on.
I think I saw you storming the Capitol last week. Your mother must have been proud Marty.
Springer for under 150 million is a nice singing for Canadian baseball fans. I think the Yanks are in sight now.
Blue Jays fans will be banging the trash cans of celebration after signing that cheating scum
Springer to the jays is happening. 5 years 25 million per. Multiple player opt outs. Will be officially announced shortly. Exciting times.
Reported 6 yrs @ 150 total- [ending physical
pending
Springer afraid of NY. Let’s get a Kiermeier or somebody. Can’t win with Nimmo.