Astros avoid arbitration hearing with Springer by giving him two-year deal

The Astros have decided to take care of one of their own.

When you have a superstar player on the team, you take care of that player. Which was why I was surprised the Astros didn’t avoid arbitration with George Springer. While he is not the best player on the team, he has become the poster boy for the Astros. You can thank Sports Illustrated for that with the cover predicting the Astros would win the World Series in 2017.

As a fan, Springer is my favorite because of what he represented in the minor leagues. While we were in the midst of the process, Springer was that player who was leading the next wave. Plus, you have to love his personality and energy he brings to the team.

While he hasn’t shown the speed people thought, he runs the bases well. Springer broke out in 2017 as the leadoff hitter for the World Series champions. He took the golden sombrero in Game 1 of the World Series but went on to win the series’ MVP.

Earlier this offseason, the Astros failed to reach a deal with Springer to avoid arbitration. Springer filed at $10.5 million, while the Astros countered with $8.5 million.

According to Bob Nightengale, Springer agrees to a two-year deal for $24 million.  This buys out the next two years of arbitration in 2018-19. He will still have the third year of arbitration in 2020, but its a positive step in the right direction.

Why did the Astros pay more than what they initially filed for?

They are betting that Springer’s arbitration numbers would have skyrocketed next year with another great season. Honestly, the front office was wise to guurantee Springer $12 million when he could be worth well more than that in one years time. And, do I dare say, create more goodwill between the two sides?

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This was an easy decision for Springer as he sets up himself well financially in the short-term. $24 million guaranteed is life-altering money. And he stills get one last crack at arbitration in a few years. Springer’s salary is now more representative of his production, which is always nice for any ball player.