Blue Jays sign five to new contracts, avoiding arbitration

No, it's not a Vladimir Guerrero Jr. contract extension, but the Blue Jays did reach deals with five of their seven arbitration-eligible players.

According to insiders Ben Nicholson-Smith and Shi Davidi, relief pitcher Zach Pop was the first one to avoid arbitration, instead settling on a new one year deal for $900K.

Newly-acquired reliever Nick Sandlin also avoided arbitration, reaching an agreement with the Jays on $1.63M salary for 2025.

Daulton Varsho avoided a hearing with a one year $8.2MM deal, while Gate 14 Podcast Host Johnny Giunta claimed that Ernie Clement also signed a $1.975M contract.

Alek Manoah, who is out until at least July, also came to terms with the team, reaching an agreement for $2.2MM.

The Blue Jays had seven players arbitration eligible heading into today. As of this writing only two - Alejandro Kirk, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. - remain unsigned.

If Toronto can't come to terms with either player then a arbitration hearing will be arranged before the start of the season.

The team has one number in mind, the player has another, and the arbiter picks either one.

The Blue Jays went to arbitration with Guerrero last year and lost; it is unlikely they want to go through that process again. If they can reach an agreement with Vladdy, it will bode well for future contract negotiations. If they can't, then it could spell trouble.

Spring Training starts in roughly five weeks.

SOURCE: TSN