Gallagher: Grudzielanek’s son didn't budge from $500,000 asking price with Jays

Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek, the Toronto Blue Jays’ 20th round pick in this year’s draft, is heading back to the University of Southern California after the Toronto Blue Jays wouldn’t agree to his request for a $500,000 signing bonus. Photo: USC Athletics

August 1, 2024

By Danny Gallagher

Canadian Baseball Network

Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek is returning to the University of Southern California Trojans to play again and continue his education as a dean’s list student after the Toronto Blue Jays wouldn’t agree to his request for a $500,000 (US) signing bonus.

The Blue Jays drafted the son of former Montreal Expos infielder Mark Grudzielanek in the 20th round and his mother Danielle Martin told me she is sticking with the half-million dollar price tag. She said it would be a “hard no,’’ if the Jays tried to get her son for less money. The deadline for teams to sign drafted players was Aug. 1.

“When Bryce’s agent called, I said we’re holding firm to this number,’’ Ms. Martin said. “The Jays wanted to negotiate. They were hemming and hawing about the number. I told the agent the number will go up the longer they take.

“They can’t drag this on and continue trying to get him as cheap as they can. MLB pushes to always get the deal. They clearly can afford him at $500,000. They know he’s worth it. The next time they call, I’ll push his number to $1-million.

“Bryce has been someone they’ve been following since high school. I know they really like him.’’

Ms. Martin said Bryce is “enrolled in school, rent first and last paid.’’