We have just over 48 hours left before the MLB deadline passes. Many, many players will be changing uniforms before Monday Night. I don’t understand some of the names being bandied about, like Padres closer Mason Miller, who’s only making $4M this season and still under three years of team control.
But other players, like Tarik Skubal, who’s in the last year of his contract before hitting free agency, make perfect sense to get moved…it’s a shame that smaller market teams can’t (won’t) keep that kind of talent.
Another player sure to move by Monday is Toronto’s George Springer. He’s in the last year of his 6yr/$150M deal. He’s not having the best season, but he is a winner. He’s hitting .235 with 38 runs and 34 RBI, to go along with 12 HR and 7 SB.
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Houston Has Been On Fire
A month ago I wouldn’t have suggested this team as a landing spot, but why not go back home to the Houston Astros? They are no longer an outside threat to just sneak into a wild card spot; at this moment, they are leading the AL West. And they are now surely buyers.
Although Springer has primarily played DH this season, and the Astros currently have a potential triple-crown winner and probable MVP, Yordan Alvarez, already at DH, there is room for Springer. To begin with, it’s not like he can’t play the outfield anymore…he just hasn’t. In a stretch run heading to the end of the season, Springer can definitely handle OF duties. And Alvarez has played in the OF for 18 games this year too, so he can play in the field as well.
Houston does not currently field the most potent OF, with the likes of Cam Smith and LaMonte Wade Jr. Adding Springer would be a huge boost to their lineup, and it would give the fanbase a shot in the arm. Nothing ignites excitement like the return of a prodigal son… everybody loves nostalgia. But this wouldn’t be a ceremonial gesture; Springer will absolutely help this offense.
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Not a high price tag
The Astros will only be on the hook for about a third of his $24M salary this year, which is a small price to pay for a veteran right-handed bat. Springer is a gamer, a true big-time player, and being thrust back into a playoff run will get the best out of him too.
And there is no chance of the Blue Jays coming back this year to make a run. They are now in last place in the AL East, three games behind the fourth-place Orioles, and a full 4.5 games behind the last wild card spot. More importantly, there are five teams between them and that last spot. Springer is surely going to be traded; it’s just a matter of where. I say Houston.
While there will be tons of action this weekend with many moves being made, this is the move I’d love to see.
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