George Springer is projected for a one-year, $10.3 million deal if he keeps playing. The longtime Blue Jays star hasn't decided yet.

The projection comes from Spotrac. It lands a long way from the six-year, $150 million contract that expired at the end of the regular season.

The drop reflects the decline. Springer regressed in 2026 and took a turn on the injured list, though the power didn't vanish entirely.

Only he and Kazuma Okamoto reached 15 homers on a Toronto team that hit the fewest in baseball.

He also stayed on the field more than most. He logged 411 games over the last three seasons, third-most on the club.

So will Toronto be one of the bidders? Probably not, and that's the right call.

The Blue Jays' DH plans point away from George Springer

The Jays aren't expected to make any qualifying offers, according to Sportsnet, so Springer would hit the market without those strings attached.

Toronto's DH and outfield plans point toward bigger bats like Seiya Suzuki and Randy Arozarena. A declining veteran doesn't fit that blueprint.

The defence is another issue. He and Bo Bichette posted the worst Fielding Run Value marks among Blue Jays with 1,000-plus innings from 2024 through 2026.

For another team, a one-year deal at that price is a bargain. Clubs like the White Sox or Pirates could use his bat and his clubhouse presence.

He's done that job before. Springer embraced a leadership role on a young, ascending team in Toronto, and those Blue Jays reached the World Series in 2025.

He's the veteran musician who no longer headlines but still steals the show as the opening act. Somebody will book him.

Retirement remains a real possibility. He's among the veterans weighing whether to end their careers this winter.

If he keeps playing, Toronto fans will get the strange experience of cheering against him. If he doesn't, he walks away at the end of one of the most important contracts in franchise history.