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We are moving deeper and deeper into the MLB offseason schedule, but most of the biggest names in free agents remain in the market. Also in the market? A daily dose of rumors. Let’s take a look at those for Tuesday.
Blue Jays serious about Springer
The Blue Jays, after a surprise playoff appearance in 2020 and with an impressive young core in place, are expected to cause a sensation this offseason. Speaking of which, their interest in signing star outfielder George Springer can be characterized as very serious. Here’s this from Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith and Shi Davidi:
“Earlier in the offseason, the Blue Jays reportedly presented Springer with a frame for a substantial offer – a five-year proposal for more than $ 100 million,” reported Jim Duquette, the former Mets general manager who now works. for SNY. Now the Blue Jays have a chance to present Springer with an improved offer, or at least continue to sell him on the franchise. “
Springer, 31, is among the top free agents of the 2020-2021 offseason. He’s a career .270 / .361 / .491 (131 OPS +) hitter who is very comfortable in the first place. The three-time All-Star finished seventh in MVP votes and won the 2017 World Series MVP. He has 19 home runs in 63 playoff games, including four in his 13 playoff games last year. During the 2020 regular season with the Astros, he hit .265 / .359 / .540 (140 OPS +) with 14 home runs, 32 RBI and 37 runs in 51 games.
The Mets are also believed to be serious contenders for Springer’s services, and Queens is the preferred destination for Connecticut natives. However, given that the Mets recently indicated that the luxury tax threshold could be an important consideration after the addition of Francisco Lindor, the Blue Jays may be in a better position to give Springer a serious run.
Jays in advanced talks with Kirby Yates
More Toronto, as according to several reports the Jays at the end of negotiations with Kirby Yates closer:
As you can see above, Yates struggled during the abridged 2020 season, but he only pitched six games before undergoing surgery to remove bone shards from his elbow. In 2018 and 2019, Yates gained a dominant position after developing a splitter. Over those two seasons, Yates threw a 1.67 ERA with 191 strikeouts and 29 unintentional marches in 123 2/3 innings. As long as he’s in good health, he emerges as the dominant force in the pens in 2021.
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