The Toronto Blue Jays have been a consistent force in the MLB for decades, and their success has been built on the foundation of talented and high-paid players. The team has made several big investments in players over the years, with some contracts reaching astronomical amounts.
Here, we take a look at some of the biggest contracts in the history of the Toronto Blue Jays.
1. Alex Rodriguez
In 2000, the Blue Jays offered Alex Rodriguez an eye-watering $252 million contract over ten years. However, the team was outbid by the Texas Rangers, who offered the third baseman $252 million over ten years. Rodriguez went on to play for the Rangers, the New York Yankees, and the Seattle Mariners, ultimately earning over $400 million in his MLB career.
2. Vernon Wells
In 2006, outfielder Vernon Wells signed a seven-year, $126 million contract with the Blue Jays. At the time, it was the largest contract in the history of the team. However, Wells struggled to live up to the expectations set by his contract and was eventually traded to the Los Angeles Angels in 2011.
3. Troy Tulowitzki
In 2015, the Blue Jays acquired shortstop Troy Tulowitzki from the Colorado Rockies for Jose Reyes and prospects. Tulowitzki was in the middle of a 10-year, $157.75 million contract with the Rockies, and the Blue Jays took on the rest of the deal. Tulowitzki played for the Blue Jays until 2018, when he was traded to the Yankees.
4. Jose Bautista
Outfielder Jose Bautista signed a five-year, $65 million contract with the Blue Jays in 2011, after a breakout season in 2010 where he hit 54 home runs. Bautista became a fan favorite in Toronto and helped lead the team to two playoff appearances, including an appearance in the American League Championship Series in 2015.
5. R.A. Dickey
In 2013, the Blue Jays traded for National League Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey and signed him to a two-year, $25 million contract extension. Dickey had previously been signed to a three-year, $29 million contract by the Mets before being traded to the Blue Jays. Dickey played for the Blue Jays until 2016, when he was traded to the Atlanta Braves.
Conclusion:
The Toronto Blue Jays have made some significant investments in players over the years, but not all these contracts have paid off. While some of these players went on to have successful careers in Toronto, others struggled to live up to the expectations set by their contracts. However, regardless of the outcome, the Blue Jays have always been willing to spend big to stay competitive in the MLB.