Blue Jays reunite with reliever A.J. Cole on minor-league deal

Toronto Blue Jays A.J. Cole pitches against the Miami Marlins during the nineth inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020, in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

TORONTO — Reliever A.J. Cole is rejoining the Toronto Blue Jays on a minor-league deal that will pay him $1 million if he makes the team, with the potential for $200,000 more in performance incentives, according to an industry source.

Cole gets $50,000 each for 45, 50, 55 and 60 innings and has a May 15 opt-out clause if he begins the season in the minor-leagues. Bob Nightengale of USA Today was first to report the agreement.

The Blue Jays non-tendered Cole, who was projected to earn between $800,000 and $1.1 million in salary arbitration by MLB Trade Rumors, ahead of the Dec. 2 deadline. But they retained interest in brining him back.

Cole, 29, made the team after signing a minor-league contract last year and became one of manager Charlie Montoyo’s most reliable relievers, posting a 3.09 ERA over 23.1 innings in 24 games, walking nine while striking out 20.

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