For Astros fans hoping to see George Springer stay in Houston for the rest of his career, the next few weeks will be nail-biters. Springer and the club did not reach a deal on a new contract, meaning they are headed for an arbitration hearing in February.
The team is in no danger of losing their star outfielder for 2020, but the picture beyond that is murky at best. Springer is eligible for free agency following the 2020 season unless he and the club agree to a long-term contract before then.
But the fact that they have not agreed to a deal and are about $5 million apart in their submitted numbers does not bode well.