Toronto Blue Jays Roster Rumors 2016: Jesse Chavez Wins Arbitration Case
Jesse Chavez won his arbitration case against his team, the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday after league arbitrators Mark Irvings, Steven Wolf, and Edna Francis awarded the pitcher a $4 million salary instead of the team's contention of $3.6 million. Although it's a relatively small difference, the key is that Chavez improved the players' standing over their teams in this off-season's salary arbitration cases, currently standing at 3-0.
The 32-year-old right-hander will therefore remain with the Blue Jays with the salary he deserves, but it's actually more of a win-win situation for both parties. Arbitration cases are just a formality of some sort with players and their teams going back and forth in salary negotiations. Aside from Chavez, Drew Smyly of Tampa Bay and J.J. Hoover of Cincinnati also won their respective arbitration cases.
Chavez made a good account of himself last season while playing for Oakland, right before he got traded to the Blue Jays in exchange for Liam Hendriks last Nov. 20. With the Athletics, he compiled a record of 7-15 with a 4.18 ERA, along with a single save in 26 starts and four relief appearances. He actually started the season in Oakland in the bullpen but was later promoted to the rotation in April. However, his season ended abruptly when he suffered a broken rib, with the Athletics placing him on the disabled list in September.
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The American has played in over eight seasons in the big league with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves, Kansas City Royals, Athletics, and the Blue Jays. He is 24-38 so far with a 4.55 ERA. His $4 million salary for this upcoming season is a huge improvement to the $2.15 million he earned last season.
With Chavez's deal already inked, the only player in Toronto's roster who is still eligible for arbitration is AL MVP Josh Donaldson. As of this moment, he is demanding $11.8 million, while the team's counter offer is at $11.3 million.
