Josh Donaldson’s agent, Dan Lozano, is denying a report from MLB insider Jon Heyman that his client turned down a contract offer from the Toronto Blue Jays that would have been “more than the three-year, $75-million deal the Phillies gave to free agent pitcher Jake Arrieta.”
On Thursday, Heyman reported that the Blue Jays extended the offer to Donaldson this past winter and “were flexible to go at least a bit higher” in an attempt to keep the 2015 American League MVP. However, Heyman said that talks ended after the Donaldson camp suggested a figure range that “put the sides far apart.”
Heyman also said that Donaldson wanted to stay in Toronto rather than be dealt, which didn’t help his trade value, despite as many as five teams — the Cleveland Indians, Atlanta Braves, Houston Astros, St. Louis Cardinals and New York Yankees — all showing interest in the third baseman.
Lozano released a statement to Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi, saying Heyman’s report was “incorrect”.
Prior to Lozano’s statement, Heyman joined Good Show Thursday afternoon on Sportsnet 590 to further discuss the Donaldson situation.
Donaldson’s tenure with the Blue Jays ended a week ago with a trade to the Indians for a player to be named later (believed to be right-handed pitcher Julian Merryweather).
Donaldson’s overall numbers took a slight dip in 2017 compared to his 2015 MVP season and another all-star campaign in 2016 but the two-time Silver Slugger Award recipient finished 2017 on a hot streak – batting .315, registering 10 home runs and 20 RBIs in September. Donaldson’s 2018 salary ended up being $23 million after the two sides avoided arbitration and agreed on a one-year deal in January.
A slew of injuries has limited the 32-year-old to just 36 MLB appearances this season, which contributed to his diminished trade value – for obvious reasons it’ll also impact what he makes on his next contract. Hypothetically, had Donaldson stayed healthy and performed in 2018 the way he finished 2017 then he might’ve warranted a more lucrative contract than the one Arrieta signed.
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