George Springer mentioned he is excited to be part of a younger, proficient workforce just like the Toronto Blue Jays, a membership he believes has loads of potential.
The three-time all-star outfielder was launched by the workforce Wednesday after signing a US$150-million, six-year contract final week.
“On the finish of the day I needed to go to the place I believed I used to be going to be completely happy,” Springer mentioned. “And I imagine I’m.”
Springer, one of many prime gamers on this 12 months’s free-agent class, placed on a white Blue Jays uniform at first of a 40-minute video name with reporters, including with a smile that it was “an excellent match.”
Springer, 31, made his big-league debut with the Houston Astros in 2014 and spent seven seasons with the workforce. He was the World Sequence MVP in 2017 and gained the AL Silver Slugger Award in 2018 and ’19.
WATCH | Are Jays accomplished including after touchdown prized free agent George Springer:
Jacqueline Doorey speaks with the Toronto Star’s Blue Jays Reporter, Laura Armstrong, to debate the signing of George Springer and the most important areas of want for GM Ross Atkins. 3:21
The Blue Jays, in the meantime, wish to construct off a 32-28 marketing campaign that noticed them return to the post-season for the primary time since 2016.
Springer mentioned being a part of a workforce that has a powerful younger core with gamers like Bo Bichette, Cavan Biggio, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Lourdes Gurriel Jr., and others was an interesting draw.
“The best way that the entrance workplace has actually gotten behind their guys, the message is that they actually imagine on this workforce,” Springer mentioned. “That is clearly actually necessary to me.”
What new additions imply for the Jays
It has been a busy month for Canada’s lone big-league membership. The Blue Jays additionally not too long ago signed right-handers Tyler Chatwood and Kirby Yates, the 2019 MLB saves chief, to one-year offers.
A reported $18-million, one-year take care of infielder Marcus Semien is predicted to develop into official later this week upon completion of a bodily.
Springer’s arrival offers an anchor within the coronary heart of Toronto’s batting order and a gentle presence in centre subject.
The 31-year-old was a powerhouse within the Astros’ 2017 World Sequence win over the L.A. Dodgers, a title now tainted by the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal.
It stays unsure the place the Blue Jays will play this 12 months and when spectators is perhaps allowed to return to Rogers Centre. Border restrictions compelled the workforce to play house video games in Buffalo final 12 months.
Springer had profession bests of a .292 common with 39 homers and 96 RBIs in 2019. In 51 video games final season, he hit .265 with 14 homers and drove in 32 runs.
Semien hit .223 with seven homers and 23 RBIs in 53 video games final season. He completed third in AL MVP voting in 2019, when he hit 33 homers with 92 RBIs with an .892 OPS.
