TORONTO — With the signatures of Alex Rios and Aaron Hill on new contracts, the Toronto Blue Jays have the core of their team locked up for years to come.
The American League club announced at a news conference yesterday that Rios, their 27-year-old right fielder who is on the cusp of stardom, and Hill, who is developing into one of the game's better second baseman, have both agreed to new contracts.
Rios has agreed to a six-year contract worth $64-million (all figures U.S.) that will come into effect next season and has a club option in 2015 that could bring the total worth of the deal to a little more than $77-million.
Rios's contract also has a buy-out clause after the sixth year where he would receive an additional $1-million should the club decide they no longer want him.
Toronto Blue Jays' Alex Rios connects for an RBI single to right field during the first inning against the New York Yankees in a game Wednesday at Yankee Stadium in New York. (Julie Jacobson/AP)
Related Articles
Internet Links
Related Information
Hill has been signed to a four-year contract worth $12-million effective immediately, with club options for 2012, 2013 and 2014.
Hill's deal is a bit more complicated.
The Jays have to inform the second baseman by opening day 2011 if they are planning to exercise the entire three-year-option package that would put an additional $26-million in Hill's pocket.
If the Jays decide not to go for three years, they have the option at the end of the 2011 season to decide if they want to exercise their option on Hill for one or two years.
"We're really excited to have both these players here for a number of years," Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi said.
"We think if you look at how our club is structured through 2010 we have a number of players tied up."
26
