5 potential free agent suitors for George Springer

4. Toronto Blue Jays

The expanded playoff format helped the Blue Jays make the playoffs for the first time since 2016 this year. The future looks bright in Toronto despite a quick postseason exit, led by the young infield trio of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Cavan Biggio and Bo Bichette.

After the surprising signing of Hyun Jin Ryu last offseason, Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins did not dismiss the idea of another big move this offseason.

“I think we are in a position where we could add to this team with talent that is condensed in one player and a super high impact.”

According to Spotrac, the Blue Jays are in the bottom-10 in projected payroll for next year right now. Even with inherent uncertainty at this point, right down to where they will be playing games in 2021, there’s room to make a significant move.

Teoscar Hernandez led the Blue Jays in home runs this year (16), as he played 40 games in right field. He can play all three outfield spots though, and if the idea of trading Randal Grichuk comes to fruition he could move to center (79 games there in 2019). Springer can of course play center too, at least for the next few years. Trading Grichuk would clear $31 million over the next three years ($10.333 million for 2021).

The Blue Jays shouldn’t be ruled out of a run at Trevor Bauer. A run at Springer may actually be more realistic.