Springer relishes 'new opportunity' with Blue Jays

George Springer made his spring training debut with the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday. And while he's still adjusting to the new uniform, the 31-year-old outfielder said he's relishing the change of scenery after seven seasons with the Houston Astros.

"(The new jersey) was a little weird, just because I've been so accustomed to the same thing for basically my whole career," Springer said, according to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. "But it's a new opportunity. I'm excited about it. … I really like the blue."

Springer roped a single up the middle for his first hit in his new duds. He said he's feeling "very welcomed" in the clubhouse, Davidi notes.

The three-time All-Star is thrilled about the potential surrounding the Blue Jays' young core, which includes Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Cavan Biggio, and Lourdes Gurriel Jr., among others. He suggested it would be unwise for opponents to underestimate them based on their age or relative inexperience.

"A lot of people will say that they're young, but I think they're advanced for their age," Springer said, according to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. "I was having a conversation and you just kind of realize the talent it takes to play at this level at age 21, 22. It's beyond impressive to be in the big leagues that young and to do the things all these guys can do."

Springer, who signed a six-year, $150-million contract with Toronto this offseason, is coming off a 2020 campaign that saw him hit .265 with 14 home runs in 51 games. He possibly had his best season in 2019 as he slashed .292/.383/.591 with 39 round-trippers and 96 RBIs in 122 games with the Astros.