Report: Blue Jays, George Springer closing in on contract

Sportsnet Staff January 19, 2021, 10:46 PM

The Toronto Blue Jays are closing in on signing star outfielder George Springer, MLB Network’s Joel Sherman reports.

source confiirms multiple reports: #BlueJays are closing in on George Springer.

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) January 20, 2021

Springer deal with #Bluejays not finalized but optimism strong. Thought #Mets would get him when offseason began, but turned to Lindor and without sure DH in NL how do you play Springer/Nimmo/Conforto/Smith/Alonso at same time. Tor has been big-game hunting. This would be huge.

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) January 20, 2021

Sherman adds that while a deal between the two sides is not done, “optimism is strong.”

One source estimates Blue Jays stand 70 percent chance of getting Springer, based on momentum of negotiations. @Joelsherman1 reporting deal is close. @_bkuh_ reported earlier that agreement is in place. Also on it: @JonMorosi, @jonheyman.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 20, 2021

Springer, 31, is widely considered the best free agent hitter on the market and one of the outfielders in baseball. He joins the Jays after spending his entire seven-year career with the Houston Astros and brings three All-Star appearances, two Silver Slugger awards and a World Series MVP award on his resume.

Last season with Houston he hit .265/.359/.540 with 14 home runs and 32 RBIs.