Jays star Donaldson files for arbitration, asks for $11.8M

TORONTO (AP) AL MVP Josh Donaldson has filed for salary arbitration, asking for a huge raise to $11.8 million after leading the Toronto Blue Jays to the playoffs for the first time since 1992.

The Blue Jays offered $11,350,000 on Friday, the day sides were required to swap figures.

Donaldson lost his case last year and made $4.3 million. The third baseman hit .297 with 41 homers and league bests of 123 RBIs and 122 runs.

The Blue Jays came to terms with six of their eight arbitration-eligible players. They agreed to a one-year, $8,375,000 contract with recently acquired right-hander Drew Storen.

Toronto also agreed to one-year deals with left-handers Brett Cecil ($3.8 million) and Aaron Loup ($1.05 million), outfielder Michael Saunders ($2.9 million), and right-handers Drew Hutchison ($2.2 million) and Steve Delabar ($835,000).

Right-hander Jesse Chavez joined Donaldson in filing for arbitration. He asked for $4 million and the Blue Jays offered $3.6 million.