Jays’ Donaldson appears destined for free agency
Third baseman not seeing ‘eye to eye’ with team on deal
DU N E DI N, FLA. • Last Thursday, Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson came bounding into the reception area at the club’s spring training office to see general manager Ross Atkins.
But before allowing him to jump in the elevator, the office receptionist insisted the Bringer of Rain sign in. Apparently it’s routine for all visitors.
The conversation was overheard by the jaded reporters in the media room and the jokes soon began — the biggest gag being Donaldson would be so turned off about being forced to sign in that he’d put an end to contract extension talks.
Donaldson faced the media at Dunedin Stadium on Monday and said contract talks with the Jays have ceased, but added that he wants to concentrate on helping the Jays win a World Series.
Of course, it’s highly doubtful his being forced to sign in last Thursday had anything to do with the situation, but Jays fans might be sad to learn that, as far as Donaldson is concerned, free agency is a real possibility next season.
“Ross and I and my agent (Dan Lozano) have talked and we’re not there right now. I feel like as of right now, all my attention and my focus needs to be on this season,” Donaldson said.
The 32- year- old added that he would not talk about a contract extension or pending free agency during the regular season.
“I want to be out there each and every day, grinding it out with the team because I know the more I’m out there at third base, the better chance we have to win,” he said.
Donaldson said he believes the Jays genuinely want to sign him to a long- term deal, but they’re not “eye to eye” at the moment.
The 2015 AL MVP and threetime all- star was asked pointblank if it was his expectation that he will hit free agency in the off-season.
“Yes, but that’s not to say talks between the Blue Jays and I won’t ramp up again at some point,” he said, “because I believe they will.”
Donaldson also said he believes the Jays are going to surprise some people this season.
“I wouldn’t say we’re on anybody’s radar at this point,” he said, “which is fine. I believe this team has confidence in itself and we believe we’re very capable of doing damage throughout the season this year.”
Donaldson said the rotation is one of the best in baseball and the bullpen will come together.
“Aaron Sanchez two years ago was probably top three, top five Cy Young Award-type pitcher. J.A. Happ is one year removed from being a 20-game winner. I believe our starting pitching is definitely there,” he said.
Stro’s stuff solid: There was some concern on the weekend that pitcher Marcus Stroman may have felt some core tightness when throwing a bullpen session, though Jays pitching coach Pete Walker denied that.
“He threw a 35- pitch ( session) and looked really good to me,” Walker said. “His stuff was good. Good round of long toss. Sinker was good, breaking stuff was, his change up was good so I was really happy with where his stuff was.”