Toronto Blue Jays plan to move George Springer to new position this year
For many Toronto Blue Jays fans, the start of this year’s spring training has been one that’s overshadowed by an uncertain future.
With no long-term contract extension for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. reached before the start of the season and the possibility of the franchise icon leaving in free agency or trade over the next 12 months, it’s safe to say excitement for the team isn’t exactly at an all-time high.
But though Guerrero Jr. was expected to possibly sign a record-setting contract in order to secure his future in Toronto, the team is still just a little over one month from beginning their 162-game-long journey through this year’s regular season.
And for the man who actually possesses the biggest contract in Blue Jays history — outfielder George Springer — this year might involve a move to left field for effectively the first time in his 12-year MLB career, at least part of the time.
The news was relayed to reporters on the team’s second full day of spring training workouts, ahead of their first exhibition game against the New York Yankees this Saturday.
“I’m going to do whatever [manager John Schneider] asks me to do. I’m going to do whatever I can do to help us win,” Springer said, per MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson.
Springer has played in 1305 games in his career, more than any other bat in the team’s lineup. But throughout his time in Houston and Toronto, he’s played just once in left field: three innings back in April 2018 in a matchup against the Chicago White Sox.
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With shorter throws to the third-base side of the ballpark, left field has historically been viewed as less physically taxing than centre or right field and often a spot to put lesser fielders on a team.
The move should help find playing time for Springer in a crowded Blue Jays outfield, with new signing Anthony Santander also expected to play a bit in left field. Davis Schneider, Nathan Lukes, and the currently injured Daulton Varsho round out Toronto’s outfield mix, with trade acquisition Myles Straw also a possible addition if he cracks the team’s lineup out of spring training non-roster invite.