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Donaldson, Blue Jays complete 2-year deal

Jim McIsaac / Getty Images Sport / Getty

TORONTO - AL MVP Josh Donaldson and the Toronto Blue Jays have completed their agreement on a $28.65 million, two-year contract.

Donaldson receives $11.65 million this year and $17 million in 2017 under the deal announced Wednesday. The new deal buys out two of Donaldson's three arbitration-eligible years.

Toronto and Donaldson had been scheduled for a salary arbitration hearing next week. The 30-year-old third baseman had asked for a raise from $4.3 million to $11.8 million and Toronto had offered $11.35 million when the sides exchanged proposed arbitration salaries last month.

Acquired from Oakland in November 2014, Donaldson made the AL All-Star team for the second straight season in 2015. He led the majors with 122 runs, topped the AL with 123 RBIs, and slashed .297/.371/.568 with 41 home runs and 8.8 WAR to help the Blue Jays reach the playoffs for the first time since winning consecutive World Series in 1992 and `93.

He is eligible for free agency after the 2018 World Series.

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