Josh Donaldson’s $23M contract sets a record

The Toronto Blue Jays brought enough cash to satisfy the Bringer of Rain. At least for the 2018 season.

The Jays and third baseman Josh Donaldson avoided arbitration, settling at US$23 million for the 2018 season, first reported by Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.

The Donaldson deal is a record for an arbitration-eligible player, topping Bryce Harper’s $21.625 million for the 2018 season.

As first reported by Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Jays also signed second baseman Devon Travis to a one-year, $1.45-million deal and right-handed pitcher Aaron Sanchez to a $2.7-million deal for 2018. Both Travis (knee surgery) and Sanchez (finger blisters) spent a considerable amount of time on the DL last season.

Nightengale reported Thursday outfielder Ezequiel Carrera signed a $1.9-million deal for 2018, also avoiding arbitration. Left-handed reliever Aaron Loup also signed a $1,812,500 deal, righty reliever Dominic Leone signed for $1.085 million and outfielder Kevin Pillar got $3.25 million.

Two Blue Jays remain unsigned and arbitration eligible: righthanded closer Roberto Osuna and starting righty Marcus Stroman. Deadline to file arbitration numbers was 1 p.m. ET Friday, but deals can be agreed to before an arbitration hearing is held later this winter. sbuffery@postmedia.com

The (Josh) Donaldson deal is a record for an arbitrationeligible player, topping Bryce Harper’s $21.625 million ...