George Springer's apex of an illustrious Astros tenure was being named MVP of the 2017 World Series.
Karen Warren/Houston ChronicleThe inevitable became reality late Tuesday night. George Springer, he of an infectious smile, incredible postseason pedigree and lethal leadoff swing, is no longer an Astro.
Springer and the Toronto Blue Jays are in agreement on a deal that, according to multiple reports, will pay him $150 million across six seasons. When it is official, the Astros will bid adieu to their leadoff hitter, clubhouse heartbeat and effervescent center fielder whose arrival signaled the start of the franchise’s return to relevance.
Springer departs as the franchise’s leader in postseason home runs (19) and doubles (15). He is the only Astro to win a World Series MVP award after finishing the seven-game win over the Dodgers in 2017 with eight extra-base hits, including five homers, in 29 at-bats.
Selected by then-general manager Ed Wade with the 11th pick of the 2011 draft out of the University of Connecticut, Springer became the early face of successor Jeff Luhnow’s plans to rebuild the Astros’ moribund farm system. Though fans craved his promotion to the majors, Springer toiled in the minor leagues during 100-loss seasons in 2012 and 2013 before finally being summoned to the Astros in April 2014.
In seven seasons with the Astros, Springer amassed an .852 OPS and struck 174 home runs. He played the outfield with reckless abandon, often putting his body into harm’s way with little regard for the next day. He was elected an All-Star in three straight seasons from 2017-19. He received American League MVP votes in 2017, 2019 and 2020.
During the 2020 season, Springer was afforded multiple opportunities to answer whether he wanted to return. He never replied definitively but made sure to acknowledge Astros fans and the city with each answer. Springer’s low profile away from the field led to a mostly quiet offseason, with the Astros never distinguishing themselves as a contender for his future services.
Because the Astros in November made Springer a one-season, $18.9 million qualifying offer, which he rejected, they ensured themselves draft compensation for his departure.