Toronto Blue Jays extend Brandon Morrow’s contract for three years – MLB News
After several speculations in the media about Toronto Blue Jays’ not signing a new potential contract deal with their star starting pitcher Brandon Morrow, news is coming as both sides are now convinced on a three contract.
The Blue Jays’ finally accepted the importance of Morrow behind Ricky Romero and gave him a potential three-year extension on his current contract worth $20 million.
Later, Morrow said, “Contract situations can weigh a lot on a player's mind at times and now it is just about winning. Now it is just about going out there and getting the job done. I just feel a sense of loyalty to Alex for, first of all, believing in me in the first place and bringing me over here. I love the city, love the organization, and love my teammates. It's just a great opportunity to be able to extend that contract.”
Blue Jays' general manager Alex Anthopolous also said, “We think Brandon is someone who is just going to continue to get better.”
Morrow’s deal will pay him $4 million in the first year. From next season onwards, the Blue Jays will pay $8 million while they also possess a $10 million option in 2015 and a $1 million buyout at the very last year of his contract.
Morrow has a tremendous right-hand throwing ability, achieving career highs last season in wins (11), starts (30), innings pitched (179.1) and strike-outs (203). He has received a large amount of appreciation from many baseball experts.
His fast throwing abilities have put him fourth in that regard, only behind C.J. Wilson’s .228, David Price’s .228 and reigning AL MVP and Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander’s .229 ERA.
He entered the Blue Jays’ roster in 2009, Morrow went 21-18 with a 4.62 ERA and 381 strike-outs in just over 325 innings. He was traded to Toronto from Seattle Mariners for reliever Brandon League and outfielder Johermyn Chavez.
His extension with the Blue Jays’ is the most recent of quite a few Blue Jays’ regulars to sign a multi-year deals with the franchise. These players include Jose Bautista, Yunel Escobar, Adam Lind and Ricky Romero as they will also be playing until 2015.
Tags: