Jays' Brett Lawrie traded to Athletics for Josh Donaldson
Canadian 3rd baseman spent 4 seasons in Toronto
The Toronto Blue Jays and Oakland Athletics have confirmed a blockbuster, multi-player deal that sends Brett Lawrie to the Athletics in exchange for Josh Donaldson.
The <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueJays">@BlueJays</a> have acquired JOSH DONALDSON from the Oakland Athletics for BRETT LAWRIE, SEAN NOLIN, KENDALL GRAVEMAN and FRANKLIN BARRETO.
—@BlueJays<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Athletics?src=hash">#Athletics</a> trade Josh Donaldson to Toronto for Brett Lawrie, Sean Nolin, Kendall Graveman and Franklin Barreto
—@AthleticsThe Jays receive Donaldson, an All-Star third baseman, in exchange for Lawrie, pitching prospects Kendall Graveman and Sean Nolin, as well as minor league short stop Franklin Barreto.
Athletics general manager Billy Beane provided his reasoning for the deal in a conference call on Friday.
"We wouldn't have done the deal unless it addressed now and the future and they were able to do that," said Beane. "This deal in our minds addresses a little bit of everything. They were reluctant to give up all four players and we weren't going to do it without those four players in the deal."
Lawrie, a native of Langley B.C, appeared in 345 games over four seasons with the Jays after being acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers. The 24-year-old, who battled injury woes in recent years, batted .247 with 12 home runs and 38 RBI in 2014.
Jays slugger Jose Bautista reached out to his now former teammate shortly after news of the trade broke.
One of the hardest things about our game, saying goodbye to a great person, amazing teammate and friend! You will be missed! <a href="https://twitter.com/blawrie13">@blawrie13</a> ��������
—@JoeyBats19Nolin, regarded as one of Toronto's top pitching prospects, is also a key piece going the other way in the deal. However, the left-hander has logged just 2 1/3 innings of big-league action.
An MLB All-Star in 2014, Donaldson, 28, spent his first four seasons with Oakland. He adds another right-handed bat to the Blue Jays' lineup.
With files from The Associated Press