Astros rumor: George Springer doesn’t want to return to Houston
George Springer may want to continue his career outside of Houston as he prepares to be a free agent
Cheating aside, the Houston Astros assembled a talented core of players and that has led to sustained success. It also led to big extensions for both Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman.
George Springer was next in line but he did not get an extension before the start of this season and is now a free agent. Now there is a rumor that he may not want to return at all.
Springer rumored to want out of Houston
This certainly falls under the “big news, if true” category. Springer is a three-time All-Star and has a 27.3 WAR in seven seasons with the Astros. He is also a likable member of the organization.
Springer saw his teammates get extensions, only for his own to seemingly be put on hold. That may have soured the relationship to a point of no return.
The outfielder is a native of Connecticut and played his college baseball there as well. If he wants to be closer to home there are some solid options up in that area and teams with big pockets. The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox could easily take on Springer and that would be great news for the latter after trading Mookie Betts this past offseason.
Springer was the 2017 World Series MVP and the cliche of calling him the “heart and soul” of the team fits. But he likely feels he deserved his own extension and may want to avoid the Astros claiming losses in 2020 as a reason to give him an offer lower than he wants. Once again, this is just a rumor but Springer being on the market means top contenders will seek his services.
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Houston still has an extension for Carlos Correa to consider as well so it may come down to not having enough money for all the core players. Based on how Altuve looked in 2020, the Astros may end up regretting it if they do indeed let Springer walk.