George Springer's future is back on Toronto's radar, and manager John Schneider could face a major lineup call if the veteran wants one more season.

Springer is a free agent after completing the 6-year, $150 million contract that brought him to Toronto before the 2021 season. Retirement is also on the table for the 37-year-old.

His emotional farewell at Rogers Centre after Toronto's season finale against Cincinnati gave the afternoon a sense of finality. Springer embraced his mother after the game as fans saluted him.

But a return hasn't been completely shut down. Toronto enters the offseason needing another right-handed outfield bat, and Springer already knows the clubhouse, lineup and expectations.

The fit gets complicated in the field. Springer is no longer viewed as an everyday outfielder, which pushes most of his potential 2027 value toward designated hitter duties.

That's where Anthony Santander becomes part of the equation. Toronto signed Santander to a 5-year, $92.5 million contract before the 2025 season, creating a significant commitment at the same lineup spot Springer would likely need.

George Springer leaves Toronto with a hard decision

Springer's production across his Blue Jays tenure still gives the club something to consider. He hit .260 with 134 home runs and 135 doubles over his 6 seasons in Toronto.

He also delivered one of the franchise's defining recent postseason swings. His home run in Game 7 of the 2025 ALCS helped send Toronto past Seattle and into the World Series.

The larger question is whether Toronto can justify carrying two veteran bats whose cleanest path to regular plate appearances runs through the DH spot.

Santander's contract gives the Blue Jays a strong incentive to find him opportunities. Springer would need either a reduced role or enough defensive flexibility elsewhere on the roster to make the lineup math work.

There's still plenty of power attached to Springer's name. He has 308 career home runs and 850 RBIs over a 13-year MLB run with Houston and Toronto.

His Toronto résumé also includes an All-Star selection in 2022 and 32 home runs during the Blue Jays' World Series season in 2025.

That makes this more than a sentimental reunion question. If Springer wants to keep playing, Toronto has to decide whether one more season strengthens the lineup or creates a roster logjam at DH.