Toronto Blue Jays: Justin Smoak increases his worth
By Paul Taylor
Justin Smoak has seen the value of his club option for next season with the Toronto Blue Jays increase thanks to an escalator clause in his contract, and there may be more to come.
After last season’s career year, this campaign has seen Justin Smoak come back down to earth with the Toronto Blue Jays. And yet, events during the weekend have likely put him in a better financial position.
On Saturday, Smoak’s second plate appearance against the Detroit Tigers took him to 950 for these last two seasons combined. As a result, it triggered an escalator clause in his contract.
Of more importance, as per Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi, it pushes the 31-year-old’s club option for next year from $6 million to $7 million. He is currently in the second year of an extension, which will pay him $4.125 million in total this season.
And it doesn’t end there. If Smoak can reach 1,100 plate appearances combined for this season and last, his club option for next year will increase again, this time to $8 million.
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For many, this is the least the 2017 All-Star deserves, as he has proved to be excellent value for money. Last year he led the Blue Jays in a plethora of categories including; home runs, RBIs, batting average and OBP.
This season hasn’t been quite as productive for Smoak. However, if he keeps up his current rate, he will still be in line for the second-most productive year of his Major League career.
And there is still enough time for the 2008 11th overall draft pick to step it up this year, at least if the weekend series against the Tigers is any indication. Through two games he has two homers and three RBIs, including a walkoff blast in the bottom of the ninth on Saturday afternoon.
Of course, there is still the small matter of the Blue Jays actually deciding to pick up Smoak’s club option for next year. However, even as of now, there seems to be little reason for them not to follow this course of action.
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What is your take on Smoak’s play so far in 2018? Do you see any justified reason why the Toronto Blue Jays wouldn’t pick up his option for next season? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.