Nationals: The George Springer stock continues to rise
He is already going to be a highly sought after free agent and with every postseason long ball, George Springer is adding money to his future savings account.
For a guy entering free agency for the first time, George Springer is doing every thing he needs to make sure and squeeze every dollar out of the lucky team who signs him.
On the heels of hitting .389 with two home runs in the four game series win over the Oakland Athletics, Springer hit his second home run of the American League Championship Series against the Tampa Bay Rays. The home run was the 19th of his postseason career, moving him into a tie for the fourth most all-time.
With every clutch postseason hit, Springer adds a few more dollars to the already huge contract he is set to sign this offseason.
He is a huge reason the Astros have made the ALCS four years running. Springer was the World Series MVP in 2017, hit .296 with two home runs in the World Series loss to the Nationals last year, and carries and OPS over .900 in the 61 career playoff games he’s played.
Springer is not just a postseason hero. Prior to this year he had made three straight All-Star games while earning a Silver Slugger Award two of those years. A year ago he set career highs in home runs (39) and runs batted in (96), while hitting out of the leadoff spot.
With the removal of Michael A. Taylor from the 40 man roster, the Nationals have just five outfielders remaining. Speculation says the Nationals will buy out the team option on Adam Eaton, instead of paying him $10.5M next season. Victor Robles and Juan Soto need a third partner in the outfield, and George Springer would fit nicely in the caverns of Nationals Park.
Even though Soto played some right field towards the end of they year, signing Springer and having him play right field, would allow Soto to move back to his natural position in left field. Springer is primarily a center fielder, though has made 458 starts in right field as well.
Alongside Marcell Ozuna, Springer is one of the top outfield free agents in a class which also includes Joc Pedersen, Michael Brantley, and Jackie Bradley Jr.
Next. The sad saga of Michael Taylor comes to a close. dark
The more I think about it, the more I like the idea of George Springer in a Nationals uniform. Even though he won’t come cheap, the Nationals should open up the checkbook for this guy.