Arbitration for Jays, Donaldson
But no matter what happens, AL MVP can expect quite the raise from last season
The Blue Jays and Josh Donaldson appear headed to their second arbitration hearing in as many years after the two sides failed to reach an agreement before Friday’s deadline.
The gap between the two camps is marginal, according to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, who reported that Donaldson filed at $11.8 million (U.S.) while the Jays countered with $11.35 million.
Whatever happens the dynamic third baseman will receive a major raise from the $4.3-million salary he earned last year, his first in Toronto, after he put together one of the best seasons in franchise history and was named American League MVP.
Salary arbitration is available to players who have between three and six years of major-league service time, when they have graduated from the league minimum salary but have yet to reach free agency. In an arbitration hearing the team and the player’s representatives each put forth what they believe the player should earn and a panel of arbitrators chooses one side or the other.
Regardless of the ruling, the player remains under the team’s control; his salary is all that’s in question.
The Jays could theoretically work out a multi-year deal with Donaldson, a 30-year-old, late-blooming star not set to become a free agent until 2019. But given how he remains under team control for three more years, there is little urgency to lock him up.
The Jays defeated Donaldson in his first year of arbitration last year, in first hearing since 1997.
Under former general manager Alex Anthopoulos, the Jays employed a “file-to-trial” policy, meaning once figures are exchanged they cease negotiations with the player and plan for a hearing. New team president Mark Shapiro told the Star the team will continue that policy, at least for this season.
The Jays also failed to come to terms with right-handed pitcher Jesse Chavez, meaning they likely will have two hearings next month. Chavez filed at $4 million, according to Heyman, while the Jays are asking for $3.6 million.
Meanwhile, the Jays avoided arbitration with six other players, signing one-year deals with newly acquired relief pitcher Drew Storen ($8.375 million), Brett Cecil ($3.8M), Michael Saunders ($2.9M), Drew Hutchison ($2.2M), Aaron Loup ($1.05M) and Steve Delabar ($835,000).