Jays agree to new deals with Rios, Hill

[Halladay_is_God]

TSN : MLB - Canada's Sports Leader

The Toronto Blue Jays have just locked up two major building blocks in their quest for a World Series, agreeing to long-term deals with both Alex Rios and Aaron Hill.

The Blue Jays and Rios have agreed on a new 6-year deal that will pay the right fielder $64 million (US).

Toronto has also reached a new deal with second baseman Hill. The four-year pact will pay Hill $12 million (US) and takes effect immediately.

Rios will make $4.835 million this season, and his extension would start in 2009.
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The contract will cover Rios' final two arbitration years as well as his first four years of free agency.

The 27-year old Rios hit a career high 24 home runs with a .354 on-base percentage last season.

A two-time all-star, Rios was Toronto's first-round pick in the June 1999 draft. The 6-foot-5, 195 pound Rios old broke into the majors in 2004, and hit .286 with one home run and 28 RBIs in 111 games.

Hill was drafted 13th overall by the Blue Jays in the first round of the 2003 draft. The 26-year old, native of Visalia, California reached career highs in hits, 177, homeruns, 17, and RBIs, 78, last season - his third in the Majors.

Great deals for both, getting Rios locked is huge, I was getting scared after a bit that it wouldn't get done and the talks would just stop. Rios is going to be monster soon and the rest of the league better watch out.

Hill signed a nice long-term contract that doesn't cost too much and he could be a top 10 2nd basemen in a year or two. He improved defensively at 2B last season, really showed great range and a very good arm on a lot of nights.

Good job by J.P. Ricciardi for getting this done early in the season and not let the players worry.

[love_that_reefer]

Good job by the Jays. Let's just hope they do better than Burnett when his contrac is up.

[BronxBomberz]

Rios is a stud fur sure, if not now, then definitely in the future. It might be a bit much later in the contract, but its worth it to lock up such a good talent and the Hill deal is team friendly, a little discount never hurt anyone but the player. I'm looking for him to have a 'break-out' year this season.

[brewersfan19]

I love both of these signings!! Congrats to the 2 players, the Jays, and their fans!!!

[Halladay_is_God]

more news on the Aaron Hill contract

Aaron Hill also has 3 year club option after his 4 year deal expires.

However the options aren't year-to-year — the Blue Jays must extend him for either one season at $8 million, two at $16 million, or three at $24 million.