Astros: Can George Springer and new GM James Click agree on extension?

Maybe the Astros and George Springer can agree to a long-term extension with money to spend and a new regime in place under new GM James Click.

Astros star outfielder George Springer touched upon the subject of the possibility of an extension and he said it was “way too early” to talk about any future contracts. But with an open wallet and James Click the new general manager, maybe the channels of communications are reopening.

Springer was in his final year of arbitration this season but the Astros front office agreed to a one-year $21 million contract and avoided arbitration. When I say the “front office”, I’m generally talking about owner Jim Crane, as GM Jeff Luhnow was already out of the picture. Springer and his representatives had filed a salary of $22.5 million while the Astros sought $17.5, so Springer came out ahead of a split down the middle.

But as we are all too aware, this is a one-year contract and Springer will be eligible to file for free agency at the end of this season. Something none of us want to see. Not only will he be a free agent following the 2020 season, so will Michael Brantley and Josh Reddick, barring any extensions agreed on this year.

Click made an interesting statement concerning the payroll situation giving hope that money and the competitive balance tax are no longer an issue holding things up. Apparently, Crane wants a trophy so badly that he’s willing to spend whatever is necessary to win a championship.

Even though Springer indicated today that it’s “way too early”, he did mention that he and his agent have discussed all different scenarios and, whatever happens, will happen. So that doesn’t necessarily sound like a “no” to me. But he also put out a long statement explaining how great Houston and the fans have been and it sounded eerily like a “goodbye”.

I’m sure Crane doesn’t want to pay the penalties of going over the luxury tax threshold for the long haul. But if he’s so adamant about spending now, I think a Springer extension should be at the forefront of their minds. Let’s bring a championship back to Houston this season and worry about future payrolls tomorrow.