The Toronto Blue Jays are entering one of the most pivotal seasons in franchise history and the reasons for concern are growing.
The team was unable to negotiate an extension with superstar slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and he’s now vowed to hear contract offers from every interested team, setting the stage for a potential departure from Toronto. That could make 2025 a final chance to showcase a winning culture for Guerrero and other free agents.
After a disappointing 2024 campaign, though, making the playoffs in 2025 won’t be easy. And a lot seems to hang on whether or not four-time All-Star George Springer can bounce back in this coming season.
In the fourth year of a six-year, $160 million contract with the Blue Jays in 2024, Springer slashed just .220/.303/.371, career lows across the board. There might have been more hope that he could put those concerning numbers behind him for 2025, but spring training hasn’t been any better. He’s got a .107 batting average in 28 at-bats so far.
MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson asked Springer about those struggles and the veteran replied with a defiant four words.
“I feel great, actually,” he said.
Springer might have little choice but to offer an optimistic tone in the face of this persistent slump, but ignoring the declining results from the plate is unlikely to inspire fans about a comeback.
“For me, it’s about the process,” Springer added. “It’s not about the results. I want to make sure that I’m swinging at the right pitches and getting my swing off. Yeah, obviously everyone would like to see the ball hit the grass, but for me specifically, I’m working on the mechanical side of it.”
Despite the numbers being posted, fans will hope that whatever mechanics Springer is working on will lead to some better results in 2025.
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