Report: Blue Jays Manager John Gibbons Finalizing Extension

John Gibbons has been the manager of the Toronto Blue Jays since 2013. Entering his fifth year of his second stint managing the Blue Jays, he is close to staying beyond the 2017 season.

The Toronto Blue Jays are in the middle of finalizing a multi-year extension for John Gibbons according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports. Multiple reports have been swirling around as Tuesday, and it appears the deal is nearly done.

The extension could be finalized as soon as Opening Day. What’s important to know is that the extension is a clear indication of a strong working relationship between Gibbons and team president Mark Shapiro.

It’s understandable why Gibbons is being rewarded with a new contract. According to Heyman’s report, the new front office is very fond of how well Gibbons can control the clubhouse, and his in-game management decisions.

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As Blue Jays fans already know, Gibbons was the manager from 2004-2008. He finished with a 305-305 record before being fired halfway through the 2008 season. Five years later, he was re-hired by then-general manager Alex Anthopoulos.

Since his return, Gibbons has accumulated a record of 339-309 in four seasons. That puts his career total to 644-614 as he managed 1,258 games in all nine seasons with the Blue Jays. Gibbons also owns a career 10-10 playoff record.

Gibbons sits second on the all-time wins list for Blue Jays managers. Cito Gaston currently sits in first with 894 wins. The Blue Jays have made back-to-back playoff appearances with Gibbons as the skipper.

In 2015, they won the American League East division who would go on to win an emotional five-game series against the Texas Rangers in the American League Division Series. They fell short to the Kansas City Royals in the American League Championship Series.

In 2016 after a dramatic win against the Baltimore Orioles in the Wild Card game, and defeating the Rangers in the Division Series once again, the Blue Jays fell short once again to the Cleveland Indians in the Championship Series. The club will hope to take the next step in 2017 and beyond, and will task Gibbons with leading a talented club toward the ultimate goal.

Next: Blue Jays' rotation picture comes into focus

*Update- It appears the extension could be for 2 years, with an option for the 2020 season, according to Steve Phillips of TSN.