ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Toronto and Danny Valencia have completed their arbitration hearing, with the infielder asking for $1,675,000 and the Blue Jays arguing for $1.2 million.
Arbitrators James Oldham, Sylvia Skratek and Edna Francis are expected to issue their decision Friday, a day after hearing arguments.
The 30-year-old, eligible for arbitration for the first time, batted .258 last season with four homers and 30 RBIs in 284 plate appearances for Kansas and Toronto, which acquired him on July 28 for right-hander Liam Hendriks and catcher Erik Kratz. Valencia played first, second and third, and had a salary of $532,500.
Third baseman Josh Donaldson is Toronto’s last player in arbitration.
In the first arbitration decision of the year Thursday, the Miami Marlins defeated pitcher Mat Latos, who will make $9.4 million rather than his request for $10.4 million.
