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It’s just going to show that you can’t believe everything you hear.
The day started off very rough for Astros fans with late night rumors that George Springer was close to signing with the Blue Jays. Then it was confirmed that the beloved Springer had signed a six-year contract to play for the rising Blue Jays team for $ 150 million. Yes, the writing was on the wall, but Springer represented a light at the end of the tunnel during the process. With the passion and energy with which he played, he will be missed.
But to add insult to injury, there were rumors that the Blue Jays were also looking to bring in Springer’s pal Michael Brantley. Looking at the Blue Jays’ depth graph, it didn’t make sense for them to add the two exteriors. However, this range would be imposing on any launch personnel. But these are rumors, right? You cannot BOGO an outfielder.
Then the reports started the Blue Jays signed Brantley also on Wednesday morning. Hazel Mae, among others, began reporting that Brantley signed with the Blue Jays according to a source. Later, the Blue Jays refuted it report saying they are interested, but weren’t close to signing Brantley, 33. In a slow offseason, it seems people are eager to sign the players.
It didn’t make sense.
Still, I kept thinking, are Springer and Brantley that close to friends that Brantley would move to Canada to play with him? It’s not the NBA when the stars try to create the big three types of dynamics, sorry Nets. It didn’t make sense. All I could think of was that tonight’s Locked On Astros podcast would be so dark to lose Springer and Brantley. Listen to it tomorrow, it should be exciting!
Even yesterday I continued to deny the Springer reports, but I don’t believe the rumors until the big boys start tweeting it. Well, unless it’s Mark Berman who always seems to know when a player is at the airport. When it comes to Houston TV reporters, Berman is most often right.
Not so fast!
Despite all of the conflicting reports Brantley has signed with the Blue Jays, Berman dropped a bomb on this thread with this Tweet. Brantley has re-signed with the Astros for a 2-year contract. After losing Springer and potentially Josh Reddick to free agency, Brantley then returned to Houston.
Later, Berman’s report was confirmed by Bob Nightengale. Next, Buster Olney, reported that it was a $ 32 million 2-year deal to return to Houston. Even Olney tweeted that the Blue Jays were never close to signing Brantley. Sportrac had Brantley’s market value at $ 21.3 million, but the market is what a team will give you. You might have Deja-Vu, that’s the exact length and amount of money he accepted before the 2019 season.
What do you expect from a consistent bat like Brantley? Consistency! There were rumors earlier in the offseason that Brantley and the Astros were interested in reuniting. Maybe Brantley was engaging with other teams. But maybe now that Springer has signed with the Blue Jays, it opens the floodgates a bit with free will. Because Brantley signed for $ 16 million AAV, it saves the Astros $ 5 million to maybe get closer.
Brantley now joins Kyle Tucker and TBA in the Astros’ outfield. Many will wonder how far Brantley can play, but Yordan Alvarez is the designated first hitter. Now Dusty Baker has one more piece for the roster puzzle, but the center field still has a blank. Yes, there are internal replacements at the center for Springer. But is James Click done with the outfield? We will see! But it’s great to see Uncle Mike back in the fold with the Astros!
More to come on The Crawfish Boxes.
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