Shapiro agrees to five-year extension with Blue Jays

Toronto Blue Jays president & CEO Mark Shapiro has agreed to a five-year extension with the club. Photo: Nick Turchiaro/USA Today Sports

January 14, 2021

By Andrew Hendriks

Canadian Baseball Network

TORONTO -- Toronto Blue Jays president & CEO Mark Shapiro came to terms on a contract extension that will keep the two-time Sporting News Executive of the Year in Toronto through the 2025 campaign, team officials announced on Wednesday.

In addition to helping shape a team that punched their ticket to postseason action for the first time in four years last fall, Shapiro has overseen extensive renovations to Rogers Centre while also revamping the Blue Jays’ Spring Training facilities in Dunedin, Fla.

Reflecting on the last five years, Shapiro is inspired by what he and his realigned front office have accomplished.

"From a personal and professional standpoint, I am thrilled to continue being a Toronto Blue Jay," said the Blue Jays president in a statement on Wednesday. "I am fortunate to work with exceptional people and am proud of the progress we have made together, to build a culture, community, and clubhouse that our incredible fans can cheer on."

With three prospects on MLB Pipeline's top 100 list and a farm system that's ranked seventh in the majors according to MLB.com, those fans will have a lot to cheer about in the coming years.

Shapiro is aware that his work is far from finished. With his club emerging as an up-and-coming threat in 2020, he now has his sights set on returning to the World Series for the first time since the then Florida Marlins ousted Cleveland in 1997.

There's also the little matter of replacing the Blue Jays’ home yard. A project that he will lead when COVID-19 passes and the time comes to further expand on plans that began to surface last November.

After spending five seasons north of the border, the veteran front office executive knows that he is no longer representing just a city or state.

"Toronto and Canada have been life changing for me and my family," he said. "I am excited to experience the feeling of winning a championship with this city and country."

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