Why George Springer left the Astros for the Blue Jays

Billy Heyen

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Why George Springer left the Astros for the Blue Jays image

George Springer grew his postseason legend as a member of the Houston Astros.

Yes, that organization eventually was called into the spotlight in a negative light for its sign-stealing scandal.

But that aside, Springer became one of the great playoff hitters of his generation while wearing that Astros uniform.

Now, he's showing he's still got it in a different uniform.

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Springer and his Toronto Blue Jays open the World Series on Friday night at home against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The former Astro had the biggest swing of Toronto's season, a three-run home run when facing ALCS Game 7 elimination, a blast that held up for a one-run win.

As far as the Blue Jays are concerned, it's a very good thing Springer left Houston to come to Toronto.

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Why did George Springer leave the Astros for the Blue Jays?

The Blue Jays made Springer an offer the Astros didn't want to match.

Springer signed with Toronto in January 2021 for six years and $150 million.

Houston has let a number of its stars walk in recent years rather than re-sign them. That includes Gerrit Cole, Alex Bregman and Dallas Keuchel.

Springer fit the bill of a guy who, by the projections, wouldn't return value late in a big contract as he aged.

That looked to be true in 2024, when Springer had a rough season.

But this has been a renaissance campaign for Springer, especially in the postseason.

If the Blue Jays win the World Series, it'll be in large part because the Astros let Springer go, and because he chose to come to Toronto instead.

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Editorial Team