Split the difference between likely earnings over the next 2 years, get the headache of arbitration out of the way for 2 years, and give George some security without having to sacrifice some of those precious free agent years. Win for everybody.
That's awesome! I realize it's more than either asked in arbitration but it still seems like a huge discount and they put it off until after the 2019 season.
Unless George has an absolutely massive year this season, it won't really be a discount for us. I highly doubt George would have commanded much more than 15 million next year in arbitration. I honestly think the Astros made this deal more for atmosphere than anything. Financially there likely isn't too much to gain, but it goes a long way towards keeping a guy happy, and avoiding the s**tshow of an arbitration hearing.
what seal said. There's really only downside for the team with this deal (financially), so I appreciate that they went and did it anyway. It sends a signal to the whole team--not just Springer. It also partially keeps the story out of the news that the Astros are "keeping Altuve and letting Springer go", even if that's still what's going to happen...because now it feels like they rewarded him somewhat.
It seems like a fair deal. Benefit for Astros is that if Springer goes crazy, they have a good deal. Benefit for Springer is that he doesn't have to worry about money for 2 years.
I really would have liked to have been able to throw a third year on there for $25,000,000 and then let him hit free agency, but I am sure George wants to hit free agency as young as possible. He has earned the security that he will receive.
After this move I show payroll for the projected 25 man roster at $152M, assuming McHugh gets $5M. Houston should have some flexibility, possibly quite a bit. They can sustain $160-190M depending on whose numbers you believe, so they have room to add. I know many will say keep those dollars for extensions but my feeling is that every core player is going to test free agency so saving that money for later doesn’t make much sense. I think it makes the most sense to maximize the chances of winning while Correa is still under control and while the current CBA is in place since after that the rules are an unknown. Both of those are in 2021. Adding a significant contract or two should definitely be on the table.
Yeah, I don't think the Astros have much chance of signing even half of their big ticket players when they become free agents. Accordingly the Astros have to decide if they believe they can fill holes and be elite with only half of their current big players in 2-4 years OR if they want to maximize their current window and rebuild in 3-4 years. Practically, I believe the second option is more likely.
Establishing some good faith. I like it. Also shows that the sides can work together. I have read before that Springer could be the hardest to keep (aside from not being able to afford them all) because his dad is a lawyer.
Good deal for the team and for George. With the big name free-agents on the market next off season, it'd likely mean less money for a big-time contract for George. This way he makes some really good money for 2 years and hits FA the following off season for his big payday. It also gives the team an extra year to see if Kyle Tucker can be a viable replacement for George if we can't afford to keep him. Great move all the way around.
Springer's already shown what he's got. It's a damn good deal for an all star caliber player....who while getting better.....is also clutch as hell.
George was gonna be an Astro in 2019 either way, 2020 as well. This doesn't really effect anything in the long term for either side, just settles some financial matters and avoids a possible headache.
Curious why they didn't buy-out his final arbitration year? I also wonder if Springer could have been enticed to go four years if the Astros were "overpaying" him for his three arbitration years? That was what I wanted them to do: offer him four years for $80-90MM and then let him walk.
Good for him, he's a classy dude. Pulse of the team and that's good for the clubhouse to have him all smiles.
