Josh Johnson open to contract extension – MLB Blue Jays News
Pitcher Josh Johnson is open to signing a contract extension with the Toronto Blue Jays beyond the 2012 season, reports thestar.com. The right hander had one of the best seasons of his career last year as he struck-out 165 batters in 31 games.
He was recently acquired by the Blue Jays from the Miami Marlins as part of the blockbuster trade that involved 12 Major League Baseball players. However, the Blue Jays have not yet approached him about such a deal, the source further claimed.
While shortstop Jose Reyes and pitcher Mark Buehrle have been signed by the Blue Jays through 2017 and 2015 respectively, Johnson has been left to become a free agent at the end of 2013 season.
Agent Matt Sosnick believes that his agent can still fetch one of the biggest contracts in history of the club if he can perform well in 2013. Blue Jays’ General Manager has not confirmed or denied the possibility of contractual negotiations with Johnson.
It will be interesting to see if the starting pitcher can post impressive numbers in the next season to keep his place on the team’s big league roster.
“It hasn’t come up in any of our conversations,” said Matt Sosnick, who represents the six-foot-seven right-hander. “(GM Alex Anthopoulos) hasn’t volunteered it and I haven’t asked him about it. It’s probably something that if he wants to talk about it we’ll
talk about it down the road.”
“If there is anyone in the game I’d be receptive to talking to about it it’s (Anthopoulos),” he further added.
The 28-year-old has a career 3.15 ERA in his eight seasons with the Marlins. With his consistent performances, he is a two time All Star. He finished the 2010 season with the lowest ERA in the National League. Injuries halted his progress significantly in
2011 but he bounced back strongly in the following season.
In an interview, Johnson said he is excited on his inclusion to the Blue Jays but at the same time, he is upset to leave Miami. Blue Jays could consider the contract extension option as it will help them to keep Johnson under team control.
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