The slugger is coming on the end of his six-year contract, but he's making sure to contribute both on and off the field.
George Springer signed a six-year, $150 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays before the 2021 season. His signing represented the beginning of the Blue Jays' path back to relevance in the American League, coupled with the ascensions of Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. from the farm system into full-time big leaguers.
The Jays haven't stopped spending in the time since Springer got to Toronto, also adding the likes Chris Bassitt, Kevin Gausman, Yariel Rodriguez, Tyler Rogers, Cody Ponce, Dylan Cease, Anthony Santander and Jeff Hoffman. And they made serious runs at Max Fried, Juan Soto, Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki also.
Springer has held up his end of the bargain with the Blue Jays, helping lead them to the playoffs in 2022, 2023 and 2025. His three-run homer against the Seattle Mariners in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series last year is one of the biggest hits in franchise history, and the Blue Jays are in potential position to make the playoffs again this year.
They enter play on Monday at just one game back of the Cleveland Guardians for the third and final wild card spot.
But as Springer comes up on the final days of his contract with the Blue Jays, his impact continues to be felt more than just on the field.
Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer (4) runs to first base on his three-run double against the Baltimore Orioles during the eighth inning at Rogers Centre. John E. Sokolowski-Imagn ImagesOn Monday, Springer was named as the team's nominee for the prestigious Roberto Clement Award. Named after the former Pittsburgh Pirates star and humanitarian, the award highlights players who "best represent baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, on and off the field."
It is akin to the "Walter Payton Man of the Year" award in the NFL.
You can read Springer's full resume for the award here, but it is extensive. He's hosted the "George Springer Bowling Benefit" in Toronto since 2023, and he's been been a major advocate for the Stuttering Association for the Young (SAY). His bowling benefit helps bring funds and awareness to SAY and the Blue Jays Care Foundation.
You can vote for the Roberto Clemente Award here, and the voting goes until Sept. 27, the final day of the regular season.
What's next for Toronto?
The Blue Jays will kick off a new series with the Detroit Tigers on Monday night at Rogers Centre. First pitch is set for 7:07 p.m. ET as recent trade acquisition Jose Soriano pitches against the electric young right-hander Troy Melton.
The Tigers are one of the most disappointing teams in baseball this season. After getting to the American League Division Series a year ago, they are just 70-79. They also traded away two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal at the trade deadline, as well as Casey Mize.
As for the matchup, Soriano is 12-7 with a 3.48 ERA between the Los Angeles Angels and Blue Jays. Melton is 8-4 with a 2.42 ERA in his first full season as a starter. He has a fastball in the upper-90s.
