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George Springer Faces Crucial Season with Toronto Blue Jays

DUNEDIN – With his position as a leadoff hitter uncertain and performance metrics waning, George Springer enters a pivotal season during the penultimate year of his six-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. The veteran outfielder, who once commanded attention for his dynamic play, now has significant expectations to meet.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider has indicated that there will be a shift in Springer’s role this season, as he plans to test him in left field while the leadoff batting order will be reassessed regularly. “He’s open to anything and everything, which is awesome,” Schneider remarked about Springer’s flexibility. “It’s all about finding the right way to utilize him.”

At 35 years old, Springer’s initial season with the Blue Jays was marred by injuries in 2021, but he still produced notable statistics. However, a downward trend in his performance has been observed since. In the 2022 season, Springer recorded a batting average of .267, paired with 25 home runs and 76 RBIs across 133 games. The following year, he managed to play in 154 games but saw a decrease in production, finishing with a .258 average, 21 home runs, and 72 RBIs.

The preceding season was particularly tough for Springer, who struggled through a dismal first half. While he improved his performance as the season progressed, he ultimately ended with a low batting average of .220, along with 19 home runs and 56 RBIs over 145 games. Springer acknowledged his subpar performance, stating, “Obviously I did not do what I had hoped to do last year. I understand that, I accept that, I acknowledge that.” He emphasized the importance of recognizing what went wrong and making necessary adjustments for future success.

As the spring training commenced, Springer refrained from divulging the specifics of any alterations he may have made to his game. Reflecting on the recent contract discussions involving Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Springer expressed his admiration for his teammate, emphasizing the importance Guerrero brings both on and off the field.

Looking Ahead

Springer entered into a franchise-record US$150-million agreement with the Blue Jays after spending seven successful seasons with the Houston Astros. His arrival was viewed as a declaration of the franchise’s ambitions following a playoff appearance in the shortened 2020 season. Over the subsequent seasons, Springer contributed to helping the Blue Jays secure postseason spots, although the team has yet to progress beyond the wild-card round.

With key players like Guerrero and Bo Bichette approaching contract negotiations, the pressure is mounting for the team to maximize their competitive window. “I’m very confident in the group that we have and the mentality,” said Springer. “It isn’t about tomorrow. It’s about now and I think guys understand that.”

Springer’s outgoing and enthusiastic demeanor has made him a character within the team’s environment. Schneider highlighted Springer’s experience, noting that he knows when to push for urgency and when to temper the atmosphere. This season, Schneider plans to rotate several players, including Springer, Bichette, Will Wagner, and Andres Gimenez, in the leadoff position, enhancing adaptability based on the opposition’s pitching staff.

Despite his consistent defensive abilities, there has been a worrying decline in Springer’s offensive metrics since his arrival in Toronto. His on-base percentage has seen a steep drop from .352 in 2021 to a mere .303 last season, while his slugging percentage and OPS also reflect a troubling trend.

Springer remains focused on his contributions to the team, regardless of the statistics. “I’m not trying to chase results,” he asserted. “I’m just doing whatever I can to help us win that day. Whether it’s in the box, in the field, or in the clubhouse. I also understand that results matter.”

The Blue Jays are set to begin their pre-season on Saturday against the New York Yankees, an opportunity for Springer to demonstrate his readiness and potential to reclaim his performance levels.

Source
globalnews.ca