First reported by MLB insider, Jon Heyman, the Toronto Blue Jays have officially extended John Gibbons to to a multi-year deal. The 54-year-old manager has guided the baseball team to back-to-back ALCS appearances and currently holds a 250-236 record since 2012. The Montana native originally served the Jays between 2004 and 2008, but was eventually relieved after a disappointing tenure. This made his second term with the squad a rather controversial move from Blue Jays brass, but it's resulted in some on-paper success for Canada's only MLB franchise. After Heyman took to twitter to stir the rumour mill, other networks received their own whispers about the contract renewal. By later on in the evening, the news was confirmed by multiple outlets.
The deal gives Gibbons two more years with the squad, and it's book-ended with an option for 2020. As for the timing, it couldn't be anymore right for the Jays, as opening day is just two weeks away. Last week, Gibbons spoke with media about the potential for an extension. “It’s common knowledge we’ve been talking about things. We’ve made progress. Hopefully it all falls into place. These guys have been good to me. I have no complaints.” The regular season kicks off next month with the Jays squaring off against divisional rivals, the Baltimore Orioles. You can catch that game live on the MLB network and Rogers Sportsnet where available.
