Jays’ Donaldson appears destined for free agency

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.

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.”