Toronto Blue Jays extend general manager Ross Atkins

Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins will remain with the organization for at least another season, a report indicates.

According to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet, the Blue Jays have extended the contract of general manager Ross Atkins.

Nicholson-Smith notes that while the specifics of the deal aren’t yet known, the contract extension “covers at least the 2020 season.”

Previously, Atkins was on a four-year deal that lasted until the end of this season. According to Nicholson-Smith, Blue Jays president and CEO Mark Shapiro declined to comment on the status of Atkins’ contract.

More from Jays Journal

• 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

Once a player development director for the Cleveland Indians, Atkins served as the vice president of player personnel for the 2015 season. He was hired by the Blue Jays on December 3, 2015.

Prior to joining the Indians front office, Atkins, a native of Greensboro, North Carolina, pitched in the Indians organization for five seasons, retiring before reaching the major leagues.

Since assuming the general manager role, Atkins has played a role in the acquisitions of Francisco Liriano (now with PIT), Melvin Upton Jr. (retired), Yangervis Solarte (FA) and Kendrys Morales (NYY).

Atkins was also notably involved in the trades of Josh Donaldson (ATL), J.A. Happ (NYY), Curtis Granderson (FLA), and Roberto Osuna (HOU). The Atkins and Shapiro tandem have since drafted such names at Jordan Groshans, Bo Bichette, and Cavan Biggio, among others.

At this point, no other details have surfaced regarding the length or details of Atkins’ contract. More to come.