Blue Jays’ Josh Donaldson wants to remain in Toronto for entire career

Toronto Blue Jays superstar Josh Donaldson spoke to the media before today’s final game of the 2017 campaign acknowledging that he has approached the front office to express his interest in remaining north of the border for his entire career.

According to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet Donaldson approached General Manager Ross Atkins approximately three weeks ago to discuss his desire to remain in Toronto for the long haul and reiterate his commitment to the team moving forward.

The former MVP is in his final year of arbitration eligibility and arguably the Blue Jays most lucrative trade chip should they not being able to come to terms on a contract extension before Donaldson hits free agency after next season.

Josh Donaldson has been one of the most talked about players in Blue Jays trade rumours this season as the third baseman struggled in the first half of the season with calf issues before resurrecting his season and regaining his MVP form in the second half.

Donaldson stated earlier today:

“I feel like I’ve proven what I need to prove on the field. I don’t hope or wish for anything. I’ve made it known to our front office that I enjoy being a Toronto Blue Jay. That I enjoy my time here. If it’s a possibility I would definitely enjoy being a Blue Jay for a long time. I’m not going to sit here and try to force their hand and they’re not going to force mine. If it’s able to work out, I’d be tickled pink. But at the end of the day, I don’t make those decisions and I can’t control that. The only thing I can control is going out there and trying to help my team win on a day-to-day basis and produce the way I know I can.”

More from Toronto Blue Jays News

• Matt Chapman has been exactly what the Blue Jays needed
• Blue Jays: The goalposts are moving in the right direction
• Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays advance to the Championship Series
• Blue Jays: Comparisons for Alek Manoah’s Second Season
• Blue Jays: Adam Cimber, the unlikely decision King

Hopefully, the Blue Jays can make it happen and lock up the hot corner specialist for the remainder of his career and prove their commitment to the record number fans who filled the Rogers Centre this season when the team was bottomed out in the basement of the AL East.

Donaldson is a generational type player and it is about time the Jays brain trust start locking up their assets for the long haul. Show him the money.

Next: Blue Jays: Stroman and Judge have epic exchange on Twitter