Outfielder would prefer to play close to Connecticut

The Mets have interest in signing free agent center fielder George Springer, according to SNY’s Andy Martino. Here’s where things stand with Springer’s market…

Jan. 16, 10:10 a.m.

Springer has received “the most significant interest” from the Blue Jays and Mets, according to MLB.com’s Jon Morosi.

Morosi also says that Springer would prefer to play close to his native state of Connecticut, which would give the Mets an edge over Toronto.

Jan. 15, 2:04 p.m.

The Toronto Blue Jays “remain in contact” with Springer and other top free agents, including Trevor Bauer and J.T. Realmuto, reports Jon Morosi of MLB.com.

Toronto has been aggressive all offseason on the trade and free agent markets, but some of their top targets have gone elsewhere — including Francisco Lindor via trade to the Mets and DJ LeMahieu going back to the Yankees on a six-year deal.

The Mets remain in on Springer, though signing him would likely bring them close to the luxury tax threshold of $210 million, if not past it.

Per SNY’s Andy Martino, Springer has been seeking a deal worth as much as $175 million.

Jan. 12, 4:48 p.m.

After acquiring Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco, the Mets remain engaged with Springer, Mets GM Sandy Alderson told Jon Heyman on the Big Time Baseball podcast.

“Given the level of excitement, enthusiasm surrounding the Mets, I don’t think we’ve been crossed off his list. … I would say that we’re still engaged, in a loose sense, with Springer,” Alderson said, per MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo.

The Mets are roughly $30 million under the $210 million luxury tax threshold, which could mean a tough fit for Springer, who is seeking $30 million or more per season.

Per SNY’s Andy Martino, the Mets have “some salary-shedding” trades they could make if they want to execute another big signing.

Jan. 7, 1:23 p.m.

Springer is looking for around $175 million, SNY’s Andy Martino reported Thursday.

Story continues

Martino mentioned the fresh reporting while discussing the Mets’ blockbuster trade for Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco from the Indians.

Jan. 4, 6:27 p.m.

While appearing on Baseball Night in New York Monday night, SNY contributor Jim Duquette said the Blue Jays gave an “aggressive” offer that was in the five-year range. However, it was worth “well under” the $150 million Springer is expecting.

The last time we checked in on Springer, SNY’s Andy Martino said that the Mets and the All-Star outfielder were not close on a deal, one where he was looking for over $150 million. And though this isn’t the Mets’ offer, that appears to still be the case. New York may be willing to go to that price range if need be.

Dec. 30, 2:25 p.m.

According to SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino, the Mets and Blue Jays remain seriously interested in Springer and engaged with his representatives, but the Mets and Springer “are still a good distance apart on value.”

Two league sources tell Martino that Springer is still asking for well over $150 million. The Mets might be willing to approach $150 million for Springer, per Martino, but the sides “haven’t found sufficient common ground to even get near a deal.”

Dec. 23, 9:19 a.m.

While the Boston Red Sox “haven’t ruled out” the possibility of signing a player who would cost them a draft pick (such as Springer or Trevor Bauer), “team officials privately concede” that it is unlikely, reports Alex Speier of The Boston Globe.

Springer grew up as a die-hard Red Sox fan in Connecticut, so the Sox not being a serious threat for his services should be music to the ears of interested teams.

The Mets have Springer high on their list, SNY’s Andy Martino has reported.

In addition to Springer, the Mets have recently been connected to free agent INF DJ LeMahieu and star Japanese free agent RHP Tomoyuki Sugano.

Dec. 21, 11:35 a.m.

MLB executives believe the Springer sweepstakes are a two-team race between the Mets and Toronto Blue Jays, reports Jeff Passan of ESPN.

The Jays have been connected to many of the big names on the market this offseason, including Springer, DJ LeMahieu, and Marcell Ozuna, so it should come as no surprise that they’re viewed as a serious contender to land Springer.

Jays GM Ross Atkins said on Dec. 4 that the team had been in touch with the representatives for Springer on a weekly basis.

The market for the biggest free agents has moved at a glacial pace, with Springer, LeMahieu, Trevor Bauer, and J.T. Realmuto still unsigned.

It is expected that Springer, the top outfielder on the free agent market, will receive a deal north of $100 million for perhaps five years.

Dec. 15, 12:09 p.m.

Discussing Springer, Mets GM Jared Porter called him “one of the premier free agents this offseason,” adding that it is “no secret.”

“We are currently evaluating all pockets of the market, whether that’s free agency, trades, the high end, the low end for depth,” Porter said during an appearance on MLB Network Radio. “Springer is a guy who is gonna be part of that process. I think we’re open to shopping in all those areas. Doesn’t mean that we’re definitely going to shop in all those areas.

“He’s a great player and he’s done a great job putting himself in this position.”

Speaking on Monday, Mets president Sandy Alderson said the market for the higher end free agents this offseason has been slow to develop.

Along with the Mets, the Toronto Blue Jays are among the teams that have been connected to Springer, who is expected to get a deal north of $100 million.

Dec. 9, 4:41 p.m.

While the James McCann buzz rages on, SNY’s Andy Martino also reported that the Mets are not close to a deal with Springer.

While that may be the case, Martino did say the team is “well-positioned” to make a deal happen for the outfielder and that both sides are “engaged” in talks.

The Blue Jays remain a team to be worried about, as the connection is there as well.

Dec. 9, 9:13 a.m.

SNY’s Andy Martino isn’t quite ready to bet the farm that the Mets will land Springer (as ESPN’s Buster Olney recently said he was), but he’s getting close to that confidence level.

Per Martino, the Mets are “well-positioned” to sign Springer.

Martino reported on Wednesday morning that the Mets, who are in serious talks with catcher James McCann, are also “engaged” with Springer.

Besides the Mets, Springer has been most heavily connected to the Toronto Blue Jays.

Action on the free agent market has been slow to develop, but there have been some signings in recent days (such as Carlos Santana and Adam Eaton) that indicate things are starting to thaw.

Dec. 7, 9:46 a.m.

Sources have told Jesse Rogers of ESPN that the White Sox are not “fishing in the deep end of the pool” for free agents, with Rogers adding that the Sox could instead be a fit for second tier outfielders such as Joc Pederson or Michael Brantley.

According to SNY’s Andy Martino, Springer is one of the Mets’ top targets, if not their top one.

Dec. 4, 9:16 a.m.

The Blue Jays have been in touch with the representatives for Springer on a weekly basis, Jays GM Ross Atkins said on Thursday.

The Mets, who signed reliever Trevor May earlier this week and are targeting catcher James McCann over J.T. Realmuto at the moment, per SNY’s Andy Martino, are keeping themselves in position to spring for a big ticket player like Springer or Trevor Bauer.

Dec. 2, 4:54 p.m.

The Blue Jays have interest in signing OF/DH Marcell Ozuna, but “appear to have” Springer higher on their list, reports Jon Morosi of MLB.com.

While Ozuna would be a better fit for an AL team due to the presence of the DH, his defensive shortcomings arguably make him a good deal less valuable than Springer.

Ozuna was linked to the Mets earlier this offseason, though the fit is highly questionable due to the number of potential left fielders and designated hitters they already have on the roster.

Nov. 30, 4:14 p.m.

The Mets continue to pursue Springer despite the reported heavy interest from the Toronto Blue Jays, reports SNY’s Andy Martino.

Per Martino, Springer is one of the Mets’ top targets this offseason, if not the top target, and “remains heavily in the mix.”

Nov. 30, 10:47 a.m.

The Toronto Blue Jays’ interest in Springer has “progressed beyond just talking,” reports Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.

The above does not come as a surprise since the Jays have been expected to be aggressive this offseason, with interest in some of the top options on the free agent market.

Davidi notes that while the Blue Jays “may be willing to set the market,” agents will “probably want to wait for the Mets to drop the gauntlet.”

Nov. 18, 5:46 p.m

In the wake of Robinson Cano’s suspension and with an opening at second base, the Mets remain more likely to add big names elsewhere — not free agent infielder DJ LeMahieu, reports SNY’s Andy Martino.

Among those big names is Springer, whom the Mets are “intrigued” by, notes Martino.

Comments are closed.