Skip to content

Report: Blue Jays, Donaldson agree to 2-year deal

Nick Turchiaro / USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins made the biggest move of his early tenure on Monday, reportedly avoiding arbitration with third baseman Josh Donaldson with a two-year, $28.65-million deal, a source told Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.

Atkins stated publicly last week that he hoped to avoid an arbitration hearing with the reigning American League MVP after the two sides were $450,000 apart following the initial exchange of salary arbitration numbers. Donaldson filed at $11.8 million, and the Blue Jays countered with a $11.35-million offer.

Donaldson emerged as one of the game's premier third basemen during his first year in Toronto. In 158 games, the 30-year-old slashed .297/.371/.568 with a career-high 41 home runs, 41 doubles, and 123 RBIs while amassing 8.8 WAR.

"I really love the city, and I could see myself spending my entire career here," Donaldson said during a radio appearance in November. "I would love to end my career in Toronto. I love playing there."

The reported deal gives Donaldson a sizable raise over the $4.3 million he earned in 2015. With an average annual value of $14.5 million, he'll be the third-highest paid player on the Blue Jays this season after Troy Tulowitzki and Russell Martin. Donaldson will have one more year of arbitration available when his new deal expires.

After avoiding arbitration with Donaldson and losing their arbitration case with right-hander Jesse Chavez, the Blue Jays' front office can now turn its attention to attempting to work out extensions with impending free-agent sluggers Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox