The Toronto Blue Jays are perceived to be one of the teams that will spend significantly this off-season and they’re reportedly eyeing an upgrade in centre field.
George Springer and Jackie Bradley Jr. are of interest to the Blue Jays, MLB Network’s Jon Heyman said on the Big Time Baseball podcast Monday. Both players would provide an upgrade defensively over Randal Grichuk in centre.
Springer is one of the biggest names available in free agency this winter, coming off a season in which he slashed .265/.359/.540 with 14 home runs and 32 RBIs. The 31-year-old has been a consistent performer for the Houston Astros since his debut in 2014 and has also been clutch over his playoff career.
Houston extended Springer a qualifying offer, meaning the Blue Jays — or any team aside from the Astros — would have to surrender a draft pick to sign him.
Bradley Jr. wouldn’t be as flashy of a signing but would still be a strong addition, primarily because of his defence. He did also turn in a strong 2020 campaign at the plate, hitting .283 with seven home runs from the left side as a member of the Boston Red Sox.
Toronto got an early start on its free agent plans, inking left-hander Robbie Ray to a one-year deal over the weekend. That likely won’t be the last move Mark Shapiro, Ross Atkins and Co. have up their sleeves this winter.
