Blue Jays sign big-name free agents George Springer and Kirby Yates

It was a relatively quiet off-season for the Toronto Blue Jays, until Tuesday that is.

In the last 24 hours, the Jays have inked a pair of big-name free agents, including George Springer, who was arguably the biggest name available this year.

BREAKING: The @BlueJays and George Springer have reportedly agreed to a six-year, $150 million contract. https://t.co/UUTW4qGLFO

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 20, 2021

The team is also reportedly close to a deal with Springer’s former Houston Astros teammate, Michael Brantley.

Kirby Yates was the first to put pen to paper, as Toronto signed the reliever to a one-year deal with the team.

Considered one of the best bullpen arms in the game, Yates struggled through an injury-plagued 2020 season.

In 2019, however, he posted a 1.19 ERA with the Padres along with a league-leading 41 saves, which earned him an all-star selection and Cy Young votes.

The Blue Jays and reliever Kirby Yates have reportedly reached an agreement. 👀https://t.co/AhiiyugQqc

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 19, 2021

A few hours later, Toronto landed the big fish, as reports trickled in that the team had reached an agreement with outfielder Springer.

It’s now been confirmed as a six-year, $150-million deal that sets a record for the largest contract ever handed out by the Blue Jays.

Springer is one of the top bats in the MLB and is no slouch in centre field either, joining Teoscar Hernandez, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Randal Grichuk in a now-crowded Jays outfield.

He’s a legitimate power threat at the plate who can bat out of the lead-off spot or down in the meat of the order, as he hit 14 home runs in 51 games for the Astros last year.

The addition of Springer instantly puts Toronto’s offense in the conversation with some of the best in the league.

UPDATE: According to a Blue Jays official, the team remains interested in Michael Brantley but there is currently no deal in place.https://t.co/yjNOGucEBl

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 20, 2021

That batting order could see another boost this week, as the team is reportedly close to signing Brantley as well, says Sportsnet insider Hazel Mae.

Mae reported the deal was done this morning, but has since tweeted that a Blue Jays official has refuted that.

“The team remains interested in Michael Brantley, but there is no deal currently in place,” the source told Mae.

The deal was initially reported to be a three-year agreement, but we’ll wait for official word on that if Brantley does put pen to paper in the coming days.

_{Thumbnail photo courtesy of Getty Images - George Springer (L) and Michael Brantley}