(Toronto) Vladimir Guerrero and the Blue Jays avoided salary arbitration Friday night, with the first baseman and pick hitter agreeing to a $14.5 million contract with Toronto for next season.
Of 12 Jays players eligible for arbitration, only shortstop Bo Bichette has yet to agree to a contract.
Have agreed to deals: stopper Jordan Romano ($4,537,500), receiver Danny Jansen ($3.5 million), right-hander Adam Cimber ($3.15 million), outfielder Daulton Varsho ($3.05 million), infielder Cavan Biggio (2.8 million), infielder Santiago Espinal (2.1 million), left-hander Tim Mayza (2.1 million), right-hander Trevor Richards (1.5 million), reliever Erik Swanson (1.25 million) and right-hander Trent Thornton (1 million).
Guerrero earned 7.9 million last season.
The two-star member hit .274 with 32 home runs and 97 RBIs. He also won a Gold Glove.
Bichette had 189 hits, leading the American in that category for the second straight season.
He hit .290, with 24 home runs and 93 RBIs.
If the Blue Jays and Bichette can’t reach an agreement, there will be a hearing before three arbitrators between Jan. 30 and Feb. 17 in St. Petersburg.