Houston Astros: What George Springer’s new deal actually means
Houston Astros center fielder George Springer has inked a two-year, $24 million deal with the franchise, avoiding arbitration from the next two years. This move certainly displays the loyalty he has for this team and here’s why.
The Houston Astros were prepared to go into a court battle with the World Series MVP in George Springer. This certainly wasn’t a good look for both teams as he was one of the key ingredients as to why this team was successful in the first place. It’s always a good mantra to keep your employees happy as will then reflect in terms of performance out on the field. The Houston Astros organization did just that, so kudos to them for coming to the table for a deal.
The news swiftly was reported by USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale:
The Houston #Astros sign George Springer to 2-year, $24 million contract that pays $12 million a year
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 5, 2018
And here’s some extra insight that Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports had provided:
springer's arb hearing had been scheduled for tuesday. astros better off not going into room w/ WS mvp. you never know. betts won his case with similar arb $ numbers, astros had lost vs. closer giles off rough postseason. springer still will have 1 year of arb before FA.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 5, 2018
Springer’s requested compensation was for $10.5 million for 2018 but the Houston Astros filed at $8.5 million, with both sides $2 million apart. It was disheartening to know that both sides were prepared to go to court but I think that ultimately cooler heads prevailed. Both sides were able to come to the table for an agreement.
That’s a long way from now and who knows if Springer will re-do that deal as well. I’ve always felt
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that Springer genuinely loves being a member of the Houston Astros and his ability to negotiate in good faith with reasonable intentions goes to show the level of his character. You never know what the long-term outlook will be for Springer with this franchise but I think the future is bright in regard to that topic.
With Ken Giles winning his arbitration case this past Thursday, the Houston Astros were prepared to do so with Springer this Tuesday. We all know now that won’t happen. And not only that but Springer’s next two years of arbitration have been bought out. He still does have one arbitration year left in 2020 before becoming a free agent in 2021.
It’s just terrific to know that we’ll have a steady bat and glove in center field for at least the next two seasons. And plus, how can you not like guy? He seems quite sincere with the way he carries himself.
But this does also indicate that the Astros are rewarding him for his massive contributions near-term but have continued to hold the line on their stance of not offering long-term deals that don’t make sense. It’s a fair deal for Springer in every regard.
With Springer’s case off the books, this leaves Collin McHugh the last contract to settle. He has asked the Astros for $5 million and the club filed at $4.55 million so we’ll have to see how that goes. McHugh was injured a good chunk of the season but had some solid performances in relief during the playoffs. I honestly think the Astros can win their case against McHugh as I do think this one goes to court just like it did last season.
Next: The magnitude of Ken Giles' arbitration pay raise
Springer, 28, had a slash line of .379/.471/1.000 with 11 hits, seven ribbies, five homers, three doubles and an sterling OPS of 1.471 through 29 at-bats in the World Series.
Go Astros.