Former Astros stud could be an answer to Rangers postseason prayers if the stars align

As frustrating as the Texas Rangers are, the Toronto Blue Jays have been one of the most disappointing teams in baseball this year. After winning the American League pennant last October, they were bringing back almost everyone - minus Bo Bichette. That means that guys like Vladimir Guerrero, Alejandro Kirk, and stalwart outfielder George Springer would be looking to take the next step and win it all in 2026. They went out and added Dylan Cease to shore up their starting rotation.

With the exception of Cease, who is in the running for the AL CY Young, none of those players have replicated the success they had last year. And now, George Springer, the former Astro, is in the final year of a lucrative 6-year/$150 million deal. With the Jays out of the playoff race and with Springer about to turn 37, he was rumored to be available at the trade deadline for the right price. He was not dealt and could now be DFA'd soon. He would have to clear waivers for the Rangers to claim him.

They have already moved on from veterans Kevin Gausman and Daulton Varsho, and though Toronto GM Ross Atkins claims they want Springer to remain a Blue Jay, that didn't keep him from dangling Springer as a possible trade deadline carrot. Whenever the front office vouches for a player and their job security, it is usually the kiss of death.

The Rangers would have to cover the remainder of what Springer is owed for 2026, but he is a free agent after this season

Springer is owed about $8 million on the final year of his deal. That is expensive for a possible rental, but if he plays well and shows he is not on the decline, he could be re-signed to a team-friendly deal next year. Though he is having a down season dealing with injuries, he is healthy now and coming off a successful campaign in 2025, hitting 32 homers with an OPS of .959 and a bWAR of 4.8.

Even in the twilight of his career, Springer still moves very well. A foul ball off his foot caused him to miss three weeks in April with a broken big toe, so he didn't get off to the start he wanted, but he has plenty left in the tank. He could come in and immediately platoon with Joc Pederson at DH and be the right-handed bat that they need in the outfield. He has also raked at Globe Life Field with a slash of .267/.369/.550, including 15 jacks and 37 RBIs over his career.

After spending no money at the deadline, surely Ray Davis can afford to let Chris Young spend a few million to kick the tires on a former Ranger-killer and 4-time All-Star who could see a move to a contender as a new lease on an otherwise disappointing 2026.

It is worth monitoring what the Blue Jays do with Springer over the next few days and whether they want to clean house and save money by letting him go.

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