Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Appearing on The Michael Kay Show on ESPN Radio New York on Tuesday, Jeff Passan of ESPN echoed the sentiments of his colleague Buster Olney in labeling the New York Mets as frontrunners to sign free-agent outfielder George Springer.
From Kay’s interview with Passan:
“I’m not quite the gambling man like Mr. Olney, but if I were placing odds right now on where [Springer] winds up, then the Mets would definitely be the favorites,” with Passan adding he’d be “willing to bet his Honda CRV” on it, a nod to Olney’s proverbial wagering of the family farm that Springer would land in Queens on Monday.
Springer, 31, had a solid 2020 season following the fallout of Houston’s sign-stealing scandal, hitting .265/.359/.540 with 14 home runs, 32 RBIs, 146 wRC+, and 1.9 wins above replacement (FanGraphs) over 51 games for the Astros.
With a need for a true centerfielder near the top of the team’s offseason docket, Springer — a Connecticut native and above-average outfielder (+8 outs above average overall in 2019, +1 OAA in 2020) — and the Mets appear to be a logical match.
Springer’s been linked to the Blue Jays and White Sox, though Chicago seems to have turned their attention elsewhere as evidenced by their two-year deal with Adam Eaton and continued interest (Jayson Stark, The Athletic) in Michael Brantley.
We’ll keep you posted with new information regarding traction between the Mets and Springer as it breaks.
