Royals Could Help Revitalize Blue Jays’ $150 Million Veteran Star’s Career
The 2024 season has been highly promising for the Kansas City Royals, but it has also exposed some weaknesses.
With an 85-74 record, the Royals’ magic number to secure a playoff spot is just one, with three days remaining in the regular season. After a 106-loss campaign in 2023, the team’s remarkable turnaround, reaching the brink of their first postseason since 2015, has been impressive.
However, the Royals’ lineup lacks depth, highlighted by two seven-game losing streaks in September following the injury of first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino. To become serious World Series contenders in 2025, they’ll need to bolster their offense with reliable veteran hitters.
One potential option is George Springer from the Toronto Blue Jays, who is still owed $45 million on the six-year deal he signed before the 2021 season. FanSided’s Zachary Pressnell predicts the Blue Jays may look to offload Springer this offseason due to their payroll concerns.
“Toronto will be spending heavily in the coming months,” Pressnell noted. “Extending Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is their priority, which will be costly, making him the team’s highest-paid player by far. Additionally, the Blue Jays are expected to be aggressive in free agency, targeting stars like Juan Soto or Corbin Burnes, which won’t come cheap.”
“Every dollar counts this offseason. If Toronto can trade Springer to a lesser team and shed even half of his contract, they’d be in a much better financial position.”
If the Royals can acquire Springer for a reduced cost, this could be a great opportunity. Despite having his worst season, Springer still hit 19 home runs, more than any Royals outfielder.
Since Kansas City’s last playoff appearance in 2015, Springer has built a reputation as one of the best postseason hitters of the last decade. He’s collected 74 playoff hits, 19 home runs, an .875 OPS, and a World Series MVP award.
To establish themselves as playoff contenders in the coming years, the Royals should consider adding veterans like Springer with a proven October track record. If the price is right, the aging star could be worth the gamble in a potential trade this winter.
