One of the biggest prizes of this season’s MLB free agent market has found a new home, as star outfielder George Springer has reportedly agreed to a six-year, $150 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.

After Springer undergoes a physical at the Jays’ facilities in Dunedin, Florida, on Thursday, the contract will be made official.

Springer spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Houston Astros, making three AL All-Star teams and helping propel them to their first ever World Series championship.

The 2017 World Series MVP has hit .270 with 174 home runs and 458 RBI over the past seven seasons in Houston. Last season was more of the same for him, as he put up a .265 average with 14 homers in only 51 games.

Known for his deadly, powerful bat and his quality center field defense, Springer is one of the most well-rounded players in the big leagues and should provide a huge boost for a Toronto team with big hopes for the future.

Expect Springer to immediately take over the job in center field for the Jays and form a powerful combination with Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Lourdes Gurriel at the top of his new team’s lineup.

The post OF George Springer Agrees to 6-Year, $150 Million Contract with Blue Jays appeared first on SportzBonanza.

MLB’s free agency period has begun and the league is beginning to see some minor deals made as some of the less notable names in the league begin to sign deals with new teams.

The big fish are yet to find a new home, however, as all five of our top free agents of the 2020-21 offseason are still out in the market.

What teams would be the best fits for these players? Let’s select a destination for this offseason’s cream of the crop.

JT Realmuto

Realmuto is arguably the most attractive free agent on the market this offseason, a true five-tool player who is among the best hitters at the catcher position in the entire league.

At the age of only 29 and with many productive years left to come, he’s in line for a big deal. Who can afford him and has needs at the catcher position? While the Phillies might want to retain him, the Mets under new ownership and with big plans can offer him an attractive proposal that would see him leave for an NL East rival.

Prediction: New York Mets

Trevor Bauer

The 2020 NL Cy Young Award winner previously stated that he would prefer to exclusively sign one-year deals as a free agent, but backtracked on his word earlier this year.

The Southern California native has spent most of his time playing in Ohio, and a return to his home with the pitching-starved and big-budget Angels makes an awful lot of sense. New GM Perry Minasian has stated that believes the team is on the verge of contention and Bauer could be the missing ingredient.

Prediction: Los Angeles Angels

George Springer

George Springer silenced many of his doubters after the Astros cheating scandal broke last offseason, having another successful season while manning center field for Houston. He shook off a slow start to hit .265 with 14 home runs and played typically good defense in center.

Houston would be awfully short on outfield depth if they don’t re-sign Springer, and let’s be honest–they have the money to do so, and Springer feels at home there. A return to the Astros makes the most sense for all parties involved.

Prediction: Houston Astros

Marcell Ozuna

Marcell Ozuna was one of the sensations of the 2020 season, coming within striking distance of the NL Triple Crown after an outstanding season on a one-year contract with the Atlanta Braves.

Both the Braves and Ozuna seemed happy with their marriage, but will the contending Braves shell out big for a free agent for the first time over the past decade? With uncertainty over the DH next season in the National League, a team that’s looking to contend like the White Sox with both outfield and DH openings makes more sense for the slugger.

Prediction: Chicago White Sox

DJ LeMahieu

While DJ LeMahieu might technically be a free agent, it sure would seem odd for him to do anything but stay in the Bronx.

After joining the Yankees from the Rockies in 2019, the versatile infielder has become a fan favorite and taken his hitting ability to a new level. Yankee Stadium is the perfect place for LeMahieu to hit and the big-money team would be left with a huge hole on its roster were the Louisiana native to leave. Expect him to stick around.

Prediction: New York Yankees

The post Picking a Destination for MLB’s Top Free Agents appeared first on SportzBonanza.

NY Yankees slugger DJ LeMahieu, Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto, and Houston Astros’ outfielder George Springer have all rejected the $18.9 million qualifying offers from their respective teams, the MLB Players’ Association has announced on Wednesday. All three players will now enter free agency, joining Cincinnati Reds’ ace Trevor Bauer, who rejected his qualifying offer several days ago.

Two remaining players with qualifying offers, NY Mets’ Marcus Stroman and San Francisco Giants’ Kevin Gausman, elected to accept them and will stay with the same teams on one-year, $18.9 million contracts for the 2021 MLB season.

LeMahieu, Realmuto, and Springer’s decisions don’t come as a surprise considering the trio is set for a big payday in the free agency.

DJ LeMahieu led the MLB with a .364 batting average in the 2020 season, while hitting 10 home runs and contributing with 27 RBIs as well. He was named American League’s batting champion and was the recipient of the Silver Slugger Award.

There is a good chance that LeMahieu will remain with the Yankees, but the organization will have to dig deep into its pockets to make this happen.

But signing LeMahieu will probably be significantly less pricey than getting J.T. Realmuto. The 29-year-old catcher said on several previous occasions that he wants his new deal to shatter the record for a catcher and then some.

Realmuto’s high demands will most likely leave Philadelphia Phillies out of the race, so it highly likely that he suits up for another franchise next season. He batted .266 in 2020 for the Phillies and added 11 homers and 32 RBIs.

Finally, George Springer, who had 14 home runs in the shortened 2020 MLB season, is also knocking on the doors of a big contract. Astros remain the favorites to re-sign him, considering his importance to the team, but several other franchises, including Toronto Blue Jays, will give Houston a run for their money.

The post DJ LeMahieu, J.T. Realmuto, and George Springer Reject Qualifying Offers appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Major League Baseball’s free agency period kicked off last week as 147 different Major Leaguers around the league saw their contracts expire.

Plenty of those players will find new homes over the offseason, looking to make impacts wherever they sign. So, which of these players will be the most hotly-contested assets and the most valuable additions? Here is the ranking of our top five.

1. JT Realmuto, Catcher

JT Realmuto has emerged as the best all-around catcher in the game of baseball over the past five seasons. Traded from the Marlins to the Phillies prior to the 2019 season, he continued to produce and put up huge defensive numbers. Realmuto’s 2020 was his best at the plate, as he put up a career-high .349 OBP and hit for a career-high .225 isolated power figure.

Realmuto can do it all, and his importance at baseball’s most demanding position cannot be overstated. Despite the deflated post-COVID-19 market, he’s in line for a multiple-year deal worth a lot of money.

2. Trevor Bauer, Starting Pitcher

Trevor Bauer is a polarizing figure in the league, using his social media clout to build his own brand and pick fights with everyone from commissioner Rob Manfred to fellow players.

What can’t be denied is that he took a huge step forward in 2020 with the Reds, turning himself into an elite starting pitcher with huge strikeout numbers and a 1.73 ERA. Whether Bauer is more of that type of pitcher or more of the type that saw him post a 4.48 ERA in 2019 is yet to be determined, but the odds-on favorite for NL Cy Young Award is undoubtedly tantalizing.

3. George Springer, Center Fielder

Are you looking for consistently good play in center field and big offensive productions? Plenty of GMs will be this offseason, and no one fits the bill better than long-time Astros outfielder George Springer.

He hasn’t had a bad offensive year since his debut in 2014, ranking sixteenth in home runs and thirty-eighth in OBP among qualified hitters in that stretch. Springer isn’t quite a superstar, but he’s a perennial All-Star caliber player who should continue to produce over the next few seasons. He’ll be in high demand.

4. Marcell Ozuna, Left Fielder/DH

Marcell Ozuna is one of the most difficult-to-read players on the free agent list this offseason. His career has been a roller coaster ride, as he burst onto the scene as one of baseball’s top young talents in 2017 before having two decent but not great seasons in St. Louis.

He reminded everyone why he was so heralded in 2020, absolutely crushing the baseball with the Braves after signing a one-year deal. Playing mostly as a DH (something to watch, as his outfield play has worsened in recent years), he crushed 18 home runs (3rd in MLB) and hit .338 as part of Atlanta’s deadly 1-2 punch with Freddie Freeman. He is much like Bauer, but as a position player: can teams count on something resembling a 2020 Ozuna, or will he simply be just an above-average piece?

5. DJ LeMahieu, Infielder

DJ LeMahieu might be turning 33 next year, but there’s no doubt that the man can hit. In fact, in five of the past six seasons, he has hit over .300 and he took home the MLB batting crown in 2020 on the back of a .364 average.

It remains to be seen recent power surge is more of a product of improvement or playing at hitter-friendly Yankee Stadium, but the team that signs LeMahieu can count on a player who will get on base plenty while providing solid defense at a variety of positions, including first, second, and third base. He’s an ideal top-of-the-lineup hitter and some team will be lucky to have him.

The post Ranking MLB’s Top Free Agents This Offseason appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Houston Astros defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Game 7 and won their first World Series. This is an amazing feat achieved by Astros considering that the franchise lost 111 games just four years before. Also, this was only the second time Astros reached the World Series, the first appearance being 55 years ago. On Wednesday night, however, Astros looked like they were playing World Series every year and smoothly overrun the Dodgers.

“It’s unbelievable, indescribable,” – Astros center fielder and World Series MVP George Springer said. “This was a dogfight. It’s physically draining, emotionally draining. With the wildness of this series, the wackiness of this series, the emotional up and downs, being able to play in this is something I will never, ever forget, even if this is the only time I will ever get here.“

The Astros finished the season with a 101-61 record and faced the Boston Red Sox in the 2nd round of American League playoffs. After winning the series 3-1, they faced the New York Yankees in the AL Championship Series which ended 4-3.

The 2017 World Series was the first time since 1970 that the two teams with 100+ wins record met. It was also the first time that two teams with 100 or more wins met in the World Series Game 7 since 1931.

Dodgers were 104 wins team and came just one win short of their all-time record. Despite losing the World Series, the Dodgers manager Dave Roberts believes his team is made for greatness.

“The character of the guys, the talent, and the nucleus is still intact,” – said Roberts. “I like our guys. I believe in our team. And I expect us to be in the same position next year.“

The post Houston Astros Win Their First World Series appeared first on SportzBonanza.

One of the biggest prizes of this season’s MLB free agent market has found a new home, as star outfielder George Springer has reportedly agreed to a six-year, $150 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.

After Springer undergoes a physical at the Jays’ facilities in Dunedin, Florida, on Thursday, the contract will be made official.

Springer spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Houston Astros, making three AL All-Star teams and helping propel them to their first ever World Series championship.

The 2017 World Series MVP has hit .270 with 174 home runs and 458 RBI over the past seven seasons in Houston. Last season was more of the same for him, as he put up a .265 average with 14 homers in only 51 games.

Known for his deadly, powerful bat and his quality center field defense, Springer is one of the most well-rounded players in the big leagues and should provide a huge boost for a Toronto team with big hopes for the future.

Expect Springer to immediately take over the job in center field for the Jays and form a powerful combination with Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Lourdes Gurriel at the top of his new team’s lineup.

The post OF George Springer Agrees to 6-Year, $150 Million Contract with Blue Jays appeared first on SportzBonanza.

MLB’s free agency period has begun and the league is beginning to see some minor deals made as some of the less notable names in the league begin to sign deals with new teams.

The big fish are yet to find a new home, however, as all five of our top free agents of the 2020-21 offseason are still out in the market.

What teams would be the best fits for these players? Let’s select a destination for this offseason’s cream of the crop.

JT Realmuto

Realmuto is arguably the most attractive free agent on the market this offseason, a true five-tool player who is among the best hitters at the catcher position in the entire league.

At the age of only 29 and with many productive years left to come, he’s in line for a big deal. Who can afford him and has needs at the catcher position? While the Phillies might want to retain him, the Mets under new ownership and with big plans can offer him an attractive proposal that would see him leave for an NL East rival.

Prediction: New York Mets

Trevor Bauer

The 2020 NL Cy Young Award winner previously stated that he would prefer to exclusively sign one-year deals as a free agent, but backtracked on his word earlier this year.

The Southern California native has spent most of his time playing in Ohio, and a return to his home with the pitching-starved and big-budget Angels makes an awful lot of sense. New GM Perry Minasian has stated that believes the team is on the verge of contention and Bauer could be the missing ingredient.

Prediction: Los Angeles Angels

George Springer

George Springer silenced many of his doubters after the Astros cheating scandal broke last offseason, having another successful season while manning center field for Houston. He shook off a slow start to hit .265 with 14 home runs and played typically good defense in center.

Houston would be awfully short on outfield depth if they don’t re-sign Springer, and let’s be honest–they have the money to do so, and Springer feels at home there. A return to the Astros makes the most sense for all parties involved.

Prediction: Houston Astros

Marcell Ozuna

Marcell Ozuna was one of the sensations of the 2020 season, coming within striking distance of the NL Triple Crown after an outstanding season on a one-year contract with the Atlanta Braves.

Both the Braves and Ozuna seemed happy with their marriage, but will the contending Braves shell out big for a free agent for the first time over the past decade? With uncertainty over the DH next season in the National League, a team that’s looking to contend like the White Sox with both outfield and DH openings makes more sense for the slugger.

Prediction: Chicago White Sox

DJ LeMahieu

While DJ LeMahieu might technically be a free agent, it sure would seem odd for him to do anything but stay in the Bronx.

After joining the Yankees from the Rockies in 2019, the versatile infielder has become a fan favorite and taken his hitting ability to a new level. Yankee Stadium is the perfect place for LeMahieu to hit and the big-money team would be left with a huge hole on its roster were the Louisiana native to leave. Expect him to stick around.

Prediction: New York Yankees

The post Picking a Destination for MLB’s Top Free Agents appeared first on SportzBonanza.

NY Yankees slugger DJ LeMahieu, Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto, and Houston Astros’ outfielder George Springer have all rejected the $18.9 million qualifying offers from their respective teams, the MLB Players’ Association has announced on Wednesday. All three players will now enter free agency, joining Cincinnati Reds’ ace Trevor Bauer, who rejected his qualifying offer several days ago.

Two remaining players with qualifying offers, NY Mets’ Marcus Stroman and San Francisco Giants’ Kevin Gausman, elected to accept them and will stay with the same teams on one-year, $18.9 million contracts for the 2021 MLB season.

LeMahieu, Realmuto, and Springer’s decisions don’t come as a surprise considering the trio is set for a big payday in the free agency.

DJ LeMahieu led the MLB with a .364 batting average in the 2020 season, while hitting 10 home runs and contributing with 27 RBIs as well. He was named American League’s batting champion and was the recipient of the Silver Slugger Award.

There is a good chance that LeMahieu will remain with the Yankees, but the organization will have to dig deep into its pockets to make this happen.

But signing LeMahieu will probably be significantly less pricey than getting J.T. Realmuto. The 29-year-old catcher said on several previous occasions that he wants his new deal to shatter the record for a catcher and then some.

Realmuto’s high demands will most likely leave Philadelphia Phillies out of the race, so it highly likely that he suits up for another franchise next season. He batted .266 in 2020 for the Phillies and added 11 homers and 32 RBIs.

Finally, George Springer, who had 14 home runs in the shortened 2020 MLB season, is also knocking on the doors of a big contract. Astros remain the favorites to re-sign him, considering his importance to the team, but several other franchises, including Toronto Blue Jays, will give Houston a run for their money.

The post DJ LeMahieu, J.T. Realmuto, and George Springer Reject Qualifying Offers appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Major League Baseball’s free agency period kicked off last week as 147 different Major Leaguers around the league saw their contracts expire.

Plenty of those players will find new homes over the offseason, looking to make impacts wherever they sign. So, which of these players will be the most hotly-contested assets and the most valuable additions? Here is the ranking of our top five.

1. JT Realmuto, Catcher

JT Realmuto has emerged as the best all-around catcher in the game of baseball over the past five seasons. Traded from the Marlins to the Phillies prior to the 2019 season, he continued to produce and put up huge defensive numbers. Realmuto’s 2020 was his best at the plate, as he put up a career-high .349 OBP and hit for a career-high .225 isolated power figure.

Realmuto can do it all, and his importance at baseball’s most demanding position cannot be overstated. Despite the deflated post-COVID-19 market, he’s in line for a multiple-year deal worth a lot of money.

2. Trevor Bauer, Starting Pitcher

Trevor Bauer is a polarizing figure in the league, using his social media clout to build his own brand and pick fights with everyone from commissioner Rob Manfred to fellow players.

What can’t be denied is that he took a huge step forward in 2020 with the Reds, turning himself into an elite starting pitcher with huge strikeout numbers and a 1.73 ERA. Whether Bauer is more of that type of pitcher or more of the type that saw him post a 4.48 ERA in 2019 is yet to be determined, but the odds-on favorite for NL Cy Young Award is undoubtedly tantalizing.

3. George Springer, Center Fielder

Are you looking for consistently good play in center field and big offensive productions? Plenty of GMs will be this offseason, and no one fits the bill better than long-time Astros outfielder George Springer.

He hasn’t had a bad offensive year since his debut in 2014, ranking sixteenth in home runs and thirty-eighth in OBP among qualified hitters in that stretch. Springer isn’t quite a superstar, but he’s a perennial All-Star caliber player who should continue to produce over the next few seasons. He’ll be in high demand.

4. Marcell Ozuna, Left Fielder/DH

Marcell Ozuna is one of the most difficult-to-read players on the free agent list this offseason. His career has been a roller coaster ride, as he burst onto the scene as one of baseball’s top young talents in 2017 before having two decent but not great seasons in St. Louis.

He reminded everyone why he was so heralded in 2020, absolutely crushing the baseball with the Braves after signing a one-year deal. Playing mostly as a DH (something to watch, as his outfield play has worsened in recent years), he crushed 18 home runs (3rd in MLB) and hit .338 as part of Atlanta’s deadly 1-2 punch with Freddie Freeman. He is much like Bauer, but as a position player: can teams count on something resembling a 2020 Ozuna, or will he simply be just an above-average piece?

5. DJ LeMahieu, Infielder

DJ LeMahieu might be turning 33 next year, but there’s no doubt that the man can hit. In fact, in five of the past six seasons, he has hit over .300 and he took home the MLB batting crown in 2020 on the back of a .364 average.

It remains to be seen recent power surge is more of a product of improvement or playing at hitter-friendly Yankee Stadium, but the team that signs LeMahieu can count on a player who will get on base plenty while providing solid defense at a variety of positions, including first, second, and third base. He’s an ideal top-of-the-lineup hitter and some team will be lucky to have him.

The post Ranking MLB’s Top Free Agents This Offseason appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Houston Astros defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Game 7 and won their first World Series. This is an amazing feat achieved by Astros considering that the franchise lost 111 games just four years before. Also, this was only the second time Astros reached the World Series, the first appearance being 55 years ago. On Wednesday night, however, Astros looked like they were playing World Series every year and smoothly overrun the Dodgers.

“It’s unbelievable, indescribable,” – Astros center fielder and World Series MVP George Springer said. “This was a dogfight. It’s physically draining, emotionally draining. With the wildness of this series, the wackiness of this series, the emotional up and downs, being able to play in this is something I will never, ever forget, even if this is the only time I will ever get here.“

The Astros finished the season with a 101-61 record and faced the Boston Red Sox in the 2nd round of American League playoffs. After winning the series 3-1, they faced the New York Yankees in the AL Championship Series which ended 4-3.

The 2017 World Series was the first time since 1970 that the two teams with 100+ wins record met. It was also the first time that two teams with 100 or more wins met in the World Series Game 7 since 1931.

Dodgers were 104 wins team and came just one win short of their all-time record. Despite losing the World Series, the Dodgers manager Dave Roberts believes his team is made for greatness.

“The character of the guys, the talent, and the nucleus is still intact,” – said Roberts. “I like our guys. I believe in our team. And I expect us to be in the same position next year.“

The post Houston Astros Win Their First World Series appeared first on SportzBonanza.