Report: Mets could hold edge over Blue Jays for Springer

The New York Mets and Toronto Blue Jays remain the two most likely suitors to sign free-agent outfielder George Springer.

However, the Mets may hold the edge due to Springer's preference to play close to his home state of Connecticut, a source told Jon Morosi of MLB.com.

The Mets have been one of the busiest and most aggressive teams this winter. In addition to acquiring Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco from Cleveland, New York has signed catcher James McCann, reliever Trevor May, and the team may be on the verge of inking closer Brad Hand. And the Mets' continued interest in Springer indicates they may not be done.

Meanwhile, the Blue Jays have been linked to virtually every high-end free agent and trade target after the club's front office vowed to be active on both fronts. So far that hasn't born fruit, but the offseason has been slow-moving for the majority of teams.

Toronto reportedly submitted a five-year offer to Springer in early January, but it came in well under the outfielder's asking price. He's said to be seeking north of $150 million.

Springer would be a welcome addition for either squad. The three-time All-Star hit 14 home runs in 51 games during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, and he was a force at the plate in 2019 while slashing .292/.383/.591 with a career-best 39 homers and 96 RBIs en route to finishing seventh in MVP voting.