Advertisement

Josh Donaldson reaches 2-year deal with Blue Jays: report

Josh Donaldson's salary arbitration hearing with the Toronto Blue Jays on Feb. 15 has apparently been cancelled.

That's because the 2015 American League MVP has agreed to a two-year contract worth close to $29 million US, Sportsnet reported Monday night.

Donaldson did not confirm the deal, though he did post the following tweet:

Donaldson, who made $4.3 million last season after losing in arbitration, was seeking $11.8 million this time around while the Blue Jays were offering $11.35 million.

The 30-year-old hit .297 in 158 games with 41 home runs, an AL-leading 123 runs batted in and 122 runs in his first season with Toronto.

Another Toronto all-star, Raptors standout point guard Kyle Lowry, is one of many fans thrilled to see Donaldson remain in the city.

Donaldson, who was acquired from Oakland in a five-player trade in November 2014, was a spark plug for the Jays' potent offensive attack last season and was a big reason the team returned to the post-season for the first time since 1993.

Toronto won the AL East with 93 victories, and defeated Texas in a five-game AL Division Series before succumbing to eventual World Series winner Kansas City in six games in the AL Championship Series.

The Blue Jays led the majors in runs scored (891), home runs (232), RBIs (852), doubles (308) and total bases (2,518).