Springer on returning Blue Jays pitcher Bieber and newcomers Cease, Ponce: 'It’s a great time for us'

A reloaded Toronto Blue Jays starting rotation has George Springer excited, not necessarily to take another run at the World Series, but to welcome the pitchers into the clubhouse.

Springer spoke at a charity function on Wednesday about Shane Bieber taking the player option to stay in Toronto, as well as free agents Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce signing with the Blue Jays. Those three plus Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage and Jose Berrios will give Toronto one of the deepest rotations in Major League Baseball in 2026.

"Oh, it's exciting. I mean, obviously, we get to see Shane again. I love the guy," said Springer, sitting in a downtown Toronto restaurant during a Make-A-Wish Foundation event. "He sticks around, which is huge for us.

"He was awesome in the clubhouse, awesome on the field."

Bieber, whose option is worth $16 million US, elected to return to the Blue Jays on Nov. 5, rather than enter the open market as a free agent. The 30-year-old was 4-2 and posted a 3.57 earned-run average with Toronto after being acquired from the Cleveland Guardians at the trade deadline last summer.

He was instrumental in Toronto's run to the World Series, earning a 2-1 post-season record and 3.86 ERA. The Blue Jays lost to the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers in seven games, with Bieber giving up the go-ahead home run to Will Smith in the 11th inning of Toronto's 5-4 loss at Rogers Centre.

The Blue Jays confirmed on Tuesday that Cease signed a seven-year deal worth $210 million, the largest free-agent contract in franchise history. Hours later, Toronto reportedly signed a three-year, $30 million deal with right-hander Ponce.

"I think we've all seen Cease pitch, and we've all had to face him. It's not fun," said Springer. "To have a guy