George Springer Rumors: Mets 'Engaged' with Former Astros Outfielder in FA

As the New York Mets continue to pursue ways to improve in 2021, one potential free-agent target they have identified is George Springer. 

Per SNY.tv's Andy Martino, the Mets are "engaged" in talks with the three-time All-Star. Martino later noted a deal is "not close."

Offseason activity in Major League Baseball has been slow-moving thus far, but a lot of attention is being paid to the Mets because new owner Steve Cohen has indicated he wants to make the franchise better quickly. 

"I do believe this is a major-market team, and it should have a budget that is commensurate with that," Cohen told reporters at his introductory press conference Nov. 10.

The Mets don't have an apparent need for an outfielder. Their collection of outfielders led MLB with 6.6 FanGraphs wins above replacement last season. And Jeff McNeil and Brandon Nimmo are under team control for at least two more years.      

One potential solution if the Mets sign Springer would be to move McNeil, who played left field in 2020, back to second base with Robinson Cano suspended for the entire season after violating MLB's performance-enhancing drug policy. 

Springer is one of the best players available on the market this offseason. The 31-year-old hit .265/.359/.540 with 14 homers and 32 RBI in 51 games for the Houston Astros in 2020.