Toronto Blue Jays have to decide on 3 players contract prior to arbitration deadline today

On Thursday, teams and players exchange salary figures, and it sets the negotiating tone for the rest of January. In Toronto's case, it's a short list: Varsho, Ernie Clement and Eric Lauer as the Blue Jays reached an agreement with Tyler Heineman this morning.

This matters more than usual because the Jays are spending like a contender again, including the four-year, $60 million deal for Kazuma Okamoto. And with Kyle Tucker still unsigned, every budget line suddenly feels connected.

I'm fine with sticker shock when it's tied to winning, not just «paying your own.» Varsho earned that conversation by slugging .548 with 20 homers in just 71 games, good for a 123 wRC+ in 2025.

The projection gap is real, though. MLB Trade Rumors pegs Varsho at $9.7 million, while other public estimates have floated higher numbers for some players in this arbitration class.

Clement is the sneaky case because he played almost every day and did a little of everything. He hit .277 with 151 hits and 9 homers across 157 games, and that kind of durability plays well in arbitration rooms.

Lauer might be the best «value per dollar» argument Toronto has. He finished 2025 with a 3.18 ERA and 102 strikeouts in 104.2 innings, and his $4.4 million projection looks light if you believe in swingmen.

Heineman was the smallest contract of the four players but was still an important signing since they need catcher depth.

None of this feels flashy, but this is how contenders stay flexible without getting boxed in. By the time Thursday's numbers are exchanged, we'll have a clearer read on where the Jays are willing to push, and where they're drawing the line.

Source: Blue Jays Nation
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