FIRST TAKE
Stephen A. Smith, Max Kellerman, and Ryan Clark discuss what they expect from Deshaun Watson and the Texans this season after a highly criticized offseason led by head coach and GM, Bill O'Brien.
On Tuesday night former Astros center fielder George Springer agreed to a 6-year $150 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays according to MLB Network's, Jon Heyman. Now we have reports that Michael Brantley will sign a 3-year deal with the Blue Jays and join Springer in Toronto.
#BlueJays in agreement on a three-year deal with veteran OF Michael Brantley pending a physical, as @thehazelmae first reported today.
A perfect fit who creates a good problem in the outfield and opens trade possibilities (think starting pitching).
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) January 20, 2021
This is a crushing blow for the Astros to lose both Brantley and Springer to Toronto. Former Astros right fielder Josh Reddick is also a free agent that won't be returning to Houston, which puts the Astros in a position where they only have one starter locked-in to play the outfield in 2021, that being Kyle Tucker. Just last year the Astros lost one of the best pitchers in baseball, when Gerrit Cole broke the bank signing a 9-year $324 million contract with the Yankees. Add that to Springer and Brantley leaving for Toronto and you have an Astros team losing three of their best players in short order. In Brantley's two seasons with Houston he hit over .300 with 27 bombs and 112 RBI.
