Passan: Battle Between Mets and Blue Jays for Springer

In Jeff Passan’s ESPN column on Monday morning he notes that Major League Baseball executives believe it’s a two-team battle between the Blue Jays and the Mets for free agent outfielder George Springer.

Passan also notes that the Blue Jays could do in another direction as they look to add a star, they have emerged as “significant players” for free agent infielder DJ LeMahieu. The three-time All-Star is reportedly looking for a five-year, $125 million deal with the Yankees and Mets listed as interested teams by Passan.

Springer, 31, is coming off a terrific 2020 campaign in which he slashed .265/.359/.540 with 14 home runs, 43 RBIs, and 2.2 rWAR. Earlier this offseason, ESPN’s Buster Olney said he would bet his family farm on Springer signing with the Mets.

The Mets and Blue Jays are two teams that have also shown interest in Cleveland’s shortstop Francisco Lindor, though Toronto is more likely according to Passan.