MLB rumors: Blue Jays latest offer for George Springer is a great start

If the Blue Jays are serious about George Springer, they still need to up the ante. 

The Jays have been among the suitors for Springer since the outset of free agency — and who can blame them? Springer brings five-tool potential with him wherever he travels, and could bring championship experience to a young and rapidly-improving roster.

Springer is a three-time All-Star and two-time silver slugger winner. In last year’s shortened season, he hit 14 home runs and 32 RBIs in 51 games. It wasn’t his best performance, but it wasn’t the significant downturn many stars witnessed in what can only be described as an outlier season.

Because of his longstanding tenure as one of the best outfielders in all of baseball, Springer wants a five-year deal worth upwards of $150 million. In an offseason where owners are struggling to open their wallets, that could be tough to come by. But Springer is willing to wait.

The Blue Jays made a big offer for Springer, but it’s still not enough

While Toronto might’ve jumped ahead of the likes of Houston and New York, it’s still not the $150 million Springer asked for at the beginning of free agency. Yet, should no team budge on their stance, Springer might have to choose between the money or the coveted fifth season on his deal.

The Jays are at a disadvantage financially against the Mets. Should billionaire Steve Cohen be coerced into making Springer a Met, it will happen at whatever price. But to this point, despite all the talk of the Mets signing a big-time free agent, they have yet to swing for the fences. Cohen didn’t make all the money by acting callously.

The Blue Jays still have a ways to climb to get to Springer’s asking price. But their first offer is a good start.