Blue Jays sign Hernandez, Stripling, plus international free agents

The Toronto Blue Jays have avoided arbitration with outfielder Teoscar Hernandez by signing him to a $4.325-million contract for the 2021 season. Photo: Toronto Blue Jays/Twitter

January 16, 2021

By Andrew Hendriks

Canadian Baseball Network

The Toronto Blue Jays have reached agreements with RHP Ross Stripling and OF Teoscar Hernandez and with these signings, they have avoided arbitration with all eligible players on the team's 40-man roster.

Stripling is set to receive $3 million in 2021. Last season, the 6-foot-3 product of Southlake, Tex., appeared in 12 games and posted an ERA of 5.84 in 49 1/3 innings split between Los Angeles and Toronto.

Hernandez, who enjoyed a breakout season in 2020 that saw him slash .289/.340/.579 with 16 home runs in 50 games, will earn $4.325 million in 2021. That's a raise of $3,791,830, up from the $208,495 the 28-year-old outfielder made last year (37% of MLB's base salary).

The Blue Jays now have $66.2M in guaranteed salaries on the books for the 2021 campaign.

In addition to cleaning up a few loose financial ends, the Blue Jays also announced the signing of 11 international free agents on Saturday. Sixteen-year-old SS Manuel Beltre headlines that list which also includes two outfielders, three pitchers and five infielders. (See list from Blue Jays website below)

According to MLB Pipeline, Beltre entered the 2021 signing period ranked as the 24th best international prospect and is widely considered to be one of the most polished hitters in this year's class. With a quick transfer and plus arm, the former DR U15 standout has a chance to stick at shortstop as he progresses throughout the minor leagues.

The Blue Jays have $5,348,200 to play with during the international signing period, $2.6 million of which is now earmarked for Beltre.

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