Houston Astros: Mets actively pursuing George Springer

The Houston Astros are increasingly likely to lose George Springer. Now, the Mets are emerging as a serious suitor to sign him.

The market for George Springer appears to be heating up. The Toronto Blue Jays are among the teams most interested in Springer, as I first reported for FanSided, and are now being joined by the New York Mets as primary suitors for his services.

Springer is among the Mets’ top targets this winter – “if not the top target” – and remain strongly in the mix to sign the free-agent outfielder, according to Andy Martino of SNY.

It is hardly surprising that Springer is drawing so much interest. After all, he has emerged as one of baseball’s premiere center fielders and is clearly the No. 1 center fielder available in free agency, with Jackie Bradley Jr. a distant second. MLB Trade Rumors projects Springer to land a five-year, $125 million deal in free agency.

The Astros’ early aggressiveness in free agency, especially in the outfield market, suggests that the team is bracing to lose Springer. Bradley Jr. is someone of interest. Michael Brantley has drawn strong interest from Houston, with the Blue Jays also lurking in the background. And executives across the game suggest that general manager James Click is casting a wide net looking for depth.

Of the two teams, the Mets pose the most serious threat to sign Springer. While Toronto’s interest in Springer is strong, there are questions as to whether they have the money to sign him. The Mets, meanwhile, have the richest owner in baseball and Steve Cohen has indicated that he is ready to spend big money in free agency to compete now. And if Springer is indeed their top target, it is hard to see any scenario that ends without them paying whatever it takes to secure the prized free agent.

The odds of Houston retaining Springer are slim to none, and barring a mystery team entering the mix, it is very possible that it comes down to the Mets and Blue Jays. It is time to start planning for the post-Springer era in Houston.