Scouts Eye: Toronto Blue Jays, George Springer

Arguably the best offensive free agent of 2020, let’s take a closer look at the biggest signing in Blue Jays history.

The news of our first signing was uncovered last Tuesday night, inking rake-show, George Springer for $150M over six years.

Springer was drafted in 2011 by Houston in the 1st round, 11th overall.  He began to make noise in 2008, with a 6.87 60-yard dash, a 94 mph outfield velocity, where he ranked nationally at 396 overall, and graded a 10 scale through Perfect Game USA.  He later went on to play his college ball at the University of Connecticut (UCONN).

Springer will be 31 years of age, bringing a much needed 5-tool skill set to the outfield and thick weaponry to the lineup.  Springer has a fantastic glove, and elite level athleticism in the outfield and on the base pads.  His bat, which has produced 176 career home runs and hits for meaning in postseason games, is huge with this young Blue Jays lineup, competing in the toughest division in baseball.

Physical Maturity

He stands 6’3″ at 221 lbs, visibly athletic and physically matured.  Tall, athletic build with broad shoulders, lean, muscular and a display of strength from toe to cap brim.

HIT:

Grade: 60

He can swing it.  Very aggressive at the dish with a fluent hack through the zone on a consistent bat path/plane.  Sees and barrels the fastball well; great display of bat speed.  Recognizes spin well; anticipates the hook and can lay off outside of the zone.  Pitchers will attack low and away 90% of the time as success can come upper/lower-in and almost anything in the zone.  Most hits come from the middle in, typically on the fastball.

2020 Stats

AB: 189 | H: 50 | HR: 14 | AVG: .265 | R: 37 | RBI: 32 | OBP: .359

POWER

Grade: 60

Springer pounds the ball long and far; what all scouts look for.  His strong upper half and durable lower half creates a synergy with his bat speed to generate distance on the long ball.

We’ve seen from 91 to 100.6 mph on exit velocity.  He’s a pull side hitter, but can power out to the opposite field.  Definitely a plus-plus power guy.

FIELDING/DEFENCE

Grade: 50

Aggressive defender in the outfield. Plays his position with emphasis and initiative all of the time.  Quick on his feet; shows agility and high explosiveness off the hop.  Vertical athleticism very apparent; takes good routes to the ball. 0 errors in 2020; 16 career errors; which is little to nothing. 1461 total career put outs over 1519 total chances.

FINAL GRADES:

HIT: 60 | Power: 60 | Fielding: 50 | Arm: 50 | Speed: 40

This guy was the hottest piece of talent in the free agency market; high tooled guy with experience and showcase.

1x World Series Champion

1x World Series MVP

3x American League All-Star

2x American League Silver Slugger

1x American League Rookie of the Month

2x American League Player of the week

This is a player that shows in the big light; he delivers in huge scenarios.  A guy you want at the dish in late inning- “I need a run or baserunner” situations.  He’s a leader and has the opportunity to work with the fine young talent of the AL East and the Blue Jays Organization.

Dealing with a rough American League East, and a tough Rays and Yankees lineup, we’re set up to produce more from top to bottom.