George Springer linked to NL contender in new trade rumor

Oct 5, 2018; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros center fielder George Springer (4) addresses the media in a press conference after game one of the 2018 ALDS playoff baseball series against the Cleveland Indians at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

George Springer may soon be getting a chance to compete for a second World Series ring.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported Saturday that the Atlanta Braves are looking like a potential fit for the Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Springer at the trade deadline this year. Heyman notes that the Jays could dangle Springer at the deadline but adds that they would have to pay most of his $24 million salary for this season.

The bottom is quickly falling out for Toronto as they now sit last in the AL East at 27-29. Though they have won their last four straight games, the Blue Jays may still be facing the prospects of having to conduct a fire sale at the trade deadline.

Now 34, Springer remains under contract through the 2026 season. But he is struggling this year with a .209 batting average on four home runs and 12 RBIs in 50 games. Nevertheless, Springer can still offer power, speed, and defense in the outfield and may just need a change of scenery at this point. The 32-23 Braves have a definite need too after Ronald Acuna Jr’s season-ending ACL tear. When it comes to outfield contingencies, Springer, even at his age, may present a higher upside than some of the other trade options that Atlanta has been linked to recently.