Blue Jays targeting Michael Brantley after Springer deal

The Blue Jays will add to the acquisition of George Springer by targeting his former Astros teammate, Michael Brantley. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Blue Jays targeting Michael Brantley after George Springer deal

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 1/20/21

The Toronto Blue Jays were able to land one of the best players in baseball on Tuesday, reportedly agreeing to a six-year, $150 million deal with George Springer. However, it appears they aren't done adding just yet.

According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, the Blue Jays are targeting outfielder Michael Brantley, who is Springer's close friend and teammate in Houston for the last two seasons.

Blue Jays still trying for free-agent outfielder Michael Brantley, sources tell @TheAthletic. Brantley is close friends with George Springer and represented by same agency, Excel Sports Management. Wrote Sunday about possibility of NBA-style package deal. https://t.co/er4Jj5HtF6
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 20, 2021

Springer and Brantley also share an agent, being represented by Excel Sports Management. According to MLB Network's Jon Heyman, Springer is trying to lure Brantley by selling him on the idea of a tandem deal.

George Springer has been selling the Jays and Michael Brantley on working out a deal so his friend and Astros teammate can join him (possibly) north of the border. @Ken_Rosenthal mentioned the tandem talk
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 20, 2021

Brantley would join an outfield that includes Springer, Teoscar Hernandez, Randal Grichuk and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. The Blue Jays could use him as a designated hitter in order to hold on to some of those players and build a well-balanced lineup.

Brantley has been one of the best hitters in baseball. During the pandemic-shortened season, he slashed .300/.364/.476 with five home runs and 22 RBI. In two seasons with the Astros, he slashed .309/.370/.497 with 27 homers and 112 RBI.

The four-time All-Star's best campaign came in 2014, when he finished third in American League MVP voting while playing in Cleveland.

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