
The Toronto Blue Jays are preparing for the 2026 MLB season with heightened expectations after an offseason focused on strengthening the 40‑man roster.
Toronto has a group capable of winning a World Series title, and they will again rely on contributions from George Springer. The 36‑year‑old veteran logged more starts at designated hitter than ever before last season, and the shift paid off.
He delivered a resurgent year, finishing with a career‑high .309 batting average, .399 on‑base percentage, .959 OPS, 32 home runs and 84 RBIs across 140 games.
He earned his third Silver Slugger Award and finished seventh in American League MVP voting.
Springer also came up big during Toronto’s postseason run, launching a three‑run blast in Game 7 of the ALCS against the Seattle Mariners that lifted the Blue Jays to a 4‑3 win.
But he battled multiple injuries throughout October, and those setbacks played a role in his decision to skip this year’s World Baseball Classic to focus on his health.
With spring training underway, the focus has shifted to how the Blue Jays will manage his workload. Toronto opened its Grapefruit League schedule last Saturday, and although Springer has been active in camp, he has yet to appear in a game.
On Monday, an update emerged on his status. “George Springer’s first Grapefruit League game is currently scheduled to be Thursday in Dunedin vs the Marlins,” reported Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.
George Springer’s first Grapefruit League game is currently scheduled to be Thursday in Dunedin vs the Marlins
— Arden Zwelling (@ArdenZwelling) February 23, 2026
That’ll also be Kazuma Okamoto’s final game prior to leaving for the WBC
This matters because Toronto is clearly taking a measured approach with Springer, easing him into game action after last year’s injuries. The organization wants him fully ready for Opening Day, and a controlled buildup is the best path to keeping him healthy for the long season ahead.
Springer is entering the final year of his six‑year, $150 million contract signed in 2021, and this season could represent his last chance to bring a championship back to Toronto.
He has done it before, winning World Series MVP with the Houston Astros in 2017, and he remains one of the most trusted postseason performers in baseball. Across his 12‑year career, he has earned four All‑Star selections and built a reputation for delivering in the biggest moments.
For the Blue Jays, keeping Springer healthy and productive is essential to their championship hopes in 2026.
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