Blue Jays avoid Arbitration with Donaldson, Travis, Sanchez, Carrera, Loup
The Toronto Blue Jays have avoided arbitration with 3B Josh Donaldson, 2B Devon Travis, RHP Aaron Sanchez, OF Ezequiel Carrera and LHP Aaron Loup, ahead of Friday’s 1:00pm EST deadline.
The Toronto Blue Jays had several players on their 2018 roster that were arbitration eligible, and thankfully they were able to resolve two of there cases on Thursday night, while settling four others Friday morning.
OF Ezequiel Carrera was the first Blue Jay to settle his case. Earlier this offseason, MLB Trade Rumours predicted Carrera’s 2018 salary at $1.9 million, and they were right in the dot. Carrera signed a $1.9 million one-year deal with the Blue Jays. Last season, Carrera made $1.625 million, while playing in 131 games for the Jays. He is under team control through the 2019 season.
Later that night, Blue Jays relief pitcher Aaron Loup signed a $1.8125 million one-year deal with the Jays. Loup pitched in 70 games for the Jays in the 2017 season. This is has last year under team control.
Blue Jays All-Star MVP 3B Josh Donaldson settled on $23 million for the 2018 season, six million more than his earning in 2017. Donaldson is now the highest payed player on the. team, ahead of C Russel Martin and SS Troy Tulowitzki who will both be making $20 million. Donaldson also set a new record for arbitration-eligible players, surpassing Bryce Harper’s $21.625 settlement.
RHP Aaron Sanchez was the next Jay to resolve his arbitration case, earning $2.7 million for the 2018 season. Quite a big raise from earning $535,000 last season! Sanchez is currently in his first of three seasons as an arbitration-eligible player. The 25 year old is under team control through the 2020 season.
Just before the 1:00pm deadline, the Blue Jays resolved their case with 2B Devon Travis. Travis had a great start to his season, but had to be shut down early due to a setback in his rehab for his knee injury. He will be making $1.45 million in 2018, compared to his $545,000 salary in 2017. Like Sanchez, Travis is under team control through the 2020 season.
The Blue Jays have four unresolved cases with RHP Marcus Stroman, closer Roberto Osuna, CF Kevin Pillar, and relief pitcher Dominic Leone. All are expected to get a big raise compared to their 2017 contract, but we shall see what the arbitration judges grant them!
