Report: Blue Jays interested in Springer, hope to bolster center field

The Toronto Blue Jays weren't kidding when they said they planned to be aggressive in free agency this offseason.

The Blue Jays are interested in pursuing All-Star outfielder George Springer, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reported Monday on the "Big Time Baseball" podcast.

Springer hit .265 with an .899 OPS, 14 home runs, and 32 RBIs in 51 games with the Houston Astros this past season. A first-round draft pick in 2011, Springer was one of the biggest contributors to the Astros' success in recent years.

The 31-year-old's best offensive season came in 2019 when he finished seventh in American League MVP voting after hitting 39 home runs with a .292/.383/.591 slash line.

He was also part of the roster that was involved in the 2017 sign-stealing scandal.

The Blue Jays have reportedly pinpointed center field as an offseason priority; Heyman noted the team has also identified former Boston Red Sox outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. as an option.

Bradley, 30, has spent eight seasons with the Red Sox. In addition to several highlight-reel catches, he's posted a .239/.321/.412 slash line with 98 home runs and 376 RBIs in 873 MLB games.

The Blue Jays already have a crowded outfield with Teoscar Hernandez and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. manning the corners. Randal Grichuk was Toronto's primary center fielder in 2020 and remains under contract through the 2023 season.

In addition to their reported interest in Springer and Bradley, the Blue Jays have also been identified as potential suitors for Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor.

Toronto opened the offseason by reuniting with left-hander Robbie Ray this past weekend on a one-year contract reportedly worth $8 million. It appears the Blue Jays may be far from finished.