SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (AP) - A person familiar with the negotiations says the Toronto Blue Jays and major league home run leader Jose Bautista have reached an agreement on a five-year, $65 million contract.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team was not set to make an official announcement. That is expected to come Thursday.
The Blue Jays opened spring training in Dunedin, Fla., earlier this week.
The 30-year-old Bautista led the majors with 54 homers last season and was eligible for arbitration.
His hearing was postponed Monday at the request of both parties and a Friday deadline to reach an agreement was set.
Bautista had requested $10.5 million in arbitration. The Blue Jays had offered $7.6 million.
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