Jays sign Escobar to two-year $10 million extension, plus two option years
The Blue Jays announced Sunday morning they have signed shortstop Yunel Escobar to a two-year contract extension, through 2013, with two club options that would cover the first two years of potential free agency. Each of the four years of the contract is worth $5 million U.S. The 28-year-old Cuban, obtained from the Braves last July 14, is earning $2.9 million this year.
The Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos made the announcement in the visitors dugout at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. Anthopoulos explained that the Jays are giving up a little bit in guaranteed money for Escobar's final two arbitration seasons in exchange for a total dollars break in the two years that would have been his free agency.
The 6-2, 205 lb. shortstop has found a home at leadoff for the Jays. He entered Sunday's play hitting .281 in 66 games, with eight homers and 26 RBIs. Escobar has made just six errors and leads AL shortstops with 32 bases-on-balls. He joins Jose Bautista, Adam Lind and Ricky Romero as Jays players with contracts that extend through 2014 or beyond.
THAT`S GREAT FOR THE BLUE JAYS.....ALEX IS OK
Posted by: PAULY | June 19, 2011 at 01:02 PM
Seems like a smart signing, and presuming Hechevarria is going to be ready for a role in the major leagues next year, the end of Aaron Hill in Toronto. Too bad about Hill, he looked like a real keeper for a time there, but it does highlight what a brilliant contact that was from AA.
Posted by: Greg Picken | June 19, 2011 at 03:18 PM
...another good contract written up by A.A., if Escobar ends up a dud, or malcontent, the Jays aren't on the hook for large cash, and if Escobar is a stud, cost savings & cost certanty to get the club that much better....well done, again, Alex!
Posted by: Lee Denike | June 19, 2011 at 03:36 PM
What about Hechavarria? What does that mean for Hill? if Lawrie's the 3B of the future, is someone going to be shifted over to 2B, making Hill disposable after this year? Or is one of these guys going to take to the outfield, with Hill manning 3B? Whatever the case may be, it looks like it's an exciting future for the Jays!
Posted by: Mike | June 19, 2011 at 04:12 PM
What does this mean for Adeiny Hechavarria? I thought he was being targeted for a 2012 promotion to the majors.
Posted by: Gord | June 19, 2011 at 08:49 PM
That's 4 key players locked up by AA: Romero, Bautista, Lind and Escobar. If you're picking 4out of this group with whom to go forward, they seem like the right four. As for Adeiny Hechavarria, he's hitting .232 in AA. Hard to project him being ready for next season.
Posted by: shuda_gonetobed | June 19, 2011 at 09:26 PM
Some of you Jays fans are like Leaf fans. Annointing the guy ready for prime time before he's even proven himself as a stud in the minor leagues (in this case the parallel between Hechavarria and Nazeem Kadhri are unmistakable). By all accounts Hechavarria is at least 2 full seasons away from getting a sniff at the majors. Hill may not be having the career many of thought he would have, but when healthy he is a great guy to have in the lineup. Until Hechavarria proves he's ready, Hill is still the second half of the double play combo. Don't be surprised if they get Hill to sign an extension, possibly for lesser money, that would have Hechavarria understudy for a year.
Posted by: othermark | June 20, 2011 at 10:35 AM
Anything can happen with this sort of deal. This contract is VERY tradeable. If Adeiny is ready to roll, Yunel could pull in very good trade value.
Posted by: Eric | June 20, 2011 at 11:07 AM
People assuming a big problem with Hecheverria arriving haven't been paying attention yet.
Great fielder, but he still isn't hitting even in the minors. To think, after seeing Snider's struggles, and with JP Arencibia batting .230ish at the moment (two guys that ate up the minors), that he would be up to stay and productive by next year is very unrealistic.
Whether they retain Hill depends entirely on Hill. If he has a bounceback second half they will either pick up the option or decline it and try to resign him cheaper. If he doesn't, he was gone anyway. For Hill to be pushed off the team both Lawrie and Hecheverria need to stick in the majors by next year. Thats a lot of ifs.
Posted by: Nevyn | June 20, 2011 at 11:17 AM