Houston may be involved in a scandal as of now, but outfielder George Springer’s contract is no longer an issue. Springer and the Astros agreed to a one-year deal worth $21 million on Thursday.
BREAKING: Per source, George Springer and the Astros have settled on a deal for 2020 at $21 million plus an awards package.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) January 16, 2020
Springer avoided arbitration with the deal, which includes an award package. He could get bonus money this year, which would include $200,000 for regular-season MVP, $175,000 for second place, $150,000 for third, $125,00 for fourth and $100,000 for fifth, according to the Associated Press. Springer would also get $100,000 for World Series MVP and $75,00 each for an All-Star selection, Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, and League Championship Series MVP.
Springer had been asking for $22.5 million while the Astros had offered him $17.5 million. The deal makes Springer’s 2020 salary the fifth-highest-paid arbitration player in history, behind Mookie Betts, Nolan Arenado, Josh Donaldson, and Bryce Harper, according to Sarah Langs of MLB.com.
Last year, Springer set career-highs with a .292 average, 39 home runs, 96 RBI, a .974 OPS and 6.2 WAR. He also was an All-Star for a third straight year and won his second Silver Slugger award.
Springer’s deal comes after MLB announced the Astros’ punishment for the sign-stealing scandal. MLB suspended Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow and manager A.J. Hinch for the 2020 season. They were both fired shortly after. The Astros also lost their first- and second-round draft picks for the next two drafts and were fined a record $5 million.
Springer’s deal is good for the Astros. He’s a good player and they probably want to negotiate a long-term deal with him at some point.
However, amidst the sign-stealing scandal, you could make the argument that Springer’s deal isn’t good. He was involved in the sign-stealing scandal and is a cheater.
