Vladimir Guerrero Jr. signs with the Blue Jays

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Toronto Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins was busy Friday. He agreed to one-year pacts with nine players in an attempt to avoid salary arbitration, including star Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

The offspring of the Montreal Expos legend has agreed to a pact worth $14.5 million, according to Sportsnet.

Guerrero Jr. had a slight dip in 2022, but he still posted a .274 batting average. He also hit 32 long balls and drove in 97 runs in 160 games.

Among the other players who signed at the bottom of an agreement on Friday, the names of Jordan Romano, Danny Jansen and Daulton Varsho are those who get the most attention.

The 29-year-old Romano was one of the best relievers in major league baseball in 2022. He made it to the All-Star Game with a brilliant 2.11 ERA in 63 games. The giant format gunner will command a salary of $4.5 million next season.

Varsho, meanwhile, signed a deal worth $3.05 million. He was acquired in a major trade involving the Arizona Diamondbacks during the holiday season. In return for promising Gabriel Moreno and veteran Lourdes Gurriel Jr., the Jays got their hands on an excellent defensive player in Varsho. The 26-year-old outfielder also had 74 RBIs and 27 long runs last season, while maintaining a .235 batting average.

For his part, Jansen, the Queen City team’s trusted receiver alongside Alejandro Kirk, will receive $ 3.5 million under this new contract.

Infielders Santiago Espinal ($2.1 million) and Cavan Biggio ($2.8 million) have also extended their stays in Toronto, as have relievers Tim Mayza ($2.1 million), Trevor Richards (1 $.5 million) and Trent Thornton ($1 million).