Toronto Blue Jays: John Gibbons Set to Agree Contract Extension
By Paul Taylor
According to a report from the Toronto Sun, John Gibbons is expected to sign a contract extension with the Toronto Blue Jays before opening day.
One of John Gibbons‘ most valuable assets, is his (most of the time) laid-back, easy-going personality. It is this demeanor, which allows him to deal with all the egos that populate the Toronto Blue Jays roster.
As such, it comes as no surprise Gibbons told the front office to put his contract situation to the back of the line, after the conclusion of last season. He was well aware general manager Ross Atkins and company had extensive work to do, in respect of putting together a team for 2017.
However, good things come to those who wait, and the Great Falls, Montana native should have a new deal in place soon enough. In fact, as per the Toronto Sun‘s Rob Longley, a contract extension will more than likely be agreed prior to opening day.
The main question relates to how long the new deal will be for? Gibbons’ current contract is due to expire at the end of the upcoming season.
You imagine the 54-year old would like any new contract to be for more than just one additional year. Fortunately for him, it sounds like Atkins has a similar mindset, as he told Longley and other members of the media:
"“John and I have worked well together over the (last) year and we both feel very fortunate to have established trust and respect. When you come into a new situation not having those established lines of communication, then going through a year we feel that not only was a successful one but a very productive one for the two of us (is a positive). So looking forward, we’re talking about the Blue Jays organization and not just the two of us leading it, but the two of us being a part of leading it together.”"
That we are now in this situation tells you how well Gibbons has done since returning for his second tenure as Blue Jays’ manager in 2013. At the time of his re-hiring, it was met with a certain degree of apathy.
When the former catcher went on to produce a 74-88 record during his first season back in charge, there were calls for him to be replaced. Fortunately for everyone concerned, this didn’t happen and the organization has benefited immensely.
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Gibbons has gone on to record a winning record in each of his three seasons since, while also ending the Blue Jays’ 21-year postseason drought. Further, he has taken the team to within striking distance of the World Series, with two consecutive ALCS appearances.
For another indication of how successful the 1980 first round draft pick has been in Toronto, consider his overall wins total. Entering the 2017 season, his mark of 644 wins is only topped by a certain Cito Gaston, who recorded 894 regular season victories.
Whether Gibbons eventually surpasses this total is open to debate. However, this is little denying he deserves his contract extension, as he attempts to join Gaston as a World Series-winning manager with the Blue Jays.
Next: 4 Reasons Blue Jays Won't Win the AL East
What’s your overall take on the job Gibbons has done, since returning as Blue Jays manager? Are you happy he is set to sign a contract extension, or would you prefer the team go in a different direction? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.