(SportsRadio 610) -- When it was reported George Springer signed a six-year, $150 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, soon after it appeared Michael Brantley would be joining him.
Not only did fans believe Brantley and Springer were leaving the Houston Astros for Canada in somewhat of a package deal, but even some 'stros themselves feared the worst.
Manager Dusty Baker was going to call Brantley to congratulate him. Pitcher Lance McCullers admitted to expecting Springer's departure, but was saddened to see the news about Brantley.
"Next thing I know, I got a call that he was signed," Baker said Thursday when pitchers and catchers reported to West Palm Beach, Florida for spring training.
McCullers said it broke his heart a little bit to see the Brantley news. He rode the same roller coaster as fans. McCullers texted fellow Astros pitcher Joe Smith, who he figured might have the scoop on "Uncle Mike," as teammates call Brantley.
"Then Brantley came back, so that was really like pure emotion and pure happiness," McCullers said. "We got Uncle Mike back. He's a heck of a teammate. He's someone that you want around. He's a great guy to have in the clubhouse, on your team. Obviously, his play has spoken for itself over the last few years. He's an incredible big-leaguer and I'm very happy to have him back."
The Astros officially announced Brantley's re-signing to a two year deal on Jan. 25. The deal is reportedly worth $32 million.
"I was super thrilled," Baker said of learning Brantley would re-sign. "I was just making a call to Michael to tell him I'm going to miss him, just like George."
Brantley was the Astros' most consistent hitter in the abbreviated 60-game 2020 season. He led the club in on-base percentage (.364), batting average (.300) and was second in OPS (.840). It marked his sixth season to hit .300-plus and his third consecutive hitting that mark. He just barely missed it with the Indians in 2017, when Brantley hit .299.