Toronto Blue Jays News and Rumors: Team Signs Josh Donaldson to Two-Year Deal
The Toronto Blue Jays couldn't afford to lose a star or even think about fighting him in arbitration, so they signed third baseman Josh Donaldson to a two-year contract instead without going through the usual salary arbitration hearing.
The amount of the new deal is reportedly at almost $29 million, which obviously is fitting and fair enough for a player who was named American League most valuable player last season. Although Donaldson and the Blue Jays were already scheduled for a hearing next week, everyone already knew it would go that way.
There is no official word yet from either party about the deal, but multiple sources online already have written about it. The 30-year-old came to Toronto via a trade with the Oakland Athletics almost two years ago and became an immediate contributor to the team, helping them reach the postseason; the last time they did prior to that was two decades back.
Donaldson also became only the second American League MVP in the history of the franchise, in a season where he also led the league in runs scored as well as RBIs. Last season, he produced a batting average of .297 with 41 home runs, also a career high.
The new deal for him means that Toronto at least for now has some room to work on when it comes to prepping for a substantially bigger payday Donaldson will demand two years from now. Good thing going for the team is that he won't be seeking free agency until the 2018 season, but when that time comes, there is a huge possibility he'll become one of the most sought-after players. The Blue Jays are to prepare for that.
The Silver Slugger Award winner is on track to becoming a highly valued franchise player and he has two more seasons to prove that with the Blue Jays.
