Toronto Blue Jays reportedly considering extension for Mark Shapiro
By David Hill
Despite a lackluster performance over the past couple of years, the Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly considering an extension for President/CEO Mark Shapiro.
It has been a difficult past few seasons for the Toronto Blue Jays. After consecutive appearances in the ALCS in 2015 and 2016, the bottom fell out, with the Blue Jays finishing fourth in the AL East over the past three years. The rebuild is in full effect, with a collection of second generation youngsters that appear ready for stardom.
Despite those struggles, ownership appears to have confidence in the direction the Blue Jays are heading. According to reports, Toronto is considering an extension for President/CEO Mark Shapiro.
An extension is possible for Mark Shapiro, who is entering the final year of his contract as #BlueJays president/CEO. Both Shapiro and the Jays are open to a new deal, but nothing is close, sources tell The Athletic. Per @SNJeffBlair, GM Ross Atkins is under contract through ‘21.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 12, 2019
After spending 24 seasons in the Cleveland Indians front office, Mark Shapiro was hired by Toronto to take over as their team president and CEO following the 2015 campaign. He was brought in to replace the retiring Paul Beeston, and immediately had to oversee a change to the Blue Jays front office when general manager Alex Anthopoulos decided not to return.
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While his tenure has not gone as anyone would have hopes, Shapiro has not displayed any interest in leaving. Earlier this month, he had indicated that he wanted to remain in Toronto, as he is looking to finish the job he had begun.
It will take time. While the pieces for the lineup are in place, the Blue Jays do not have much in the way of pitching on the horizon. Anthony Kay has plenty of promise, but is still untested. Nate Pearson could reach the majors by the end of next season, but there are questions of his future role. Otherwise, the pitching reinforcements may be years away.
Shapiro had been down this road before. He had helped bring a moribund Indians franchise to relevance in the 1990s, giving him plenty of experience in rebuilding a roster. Extending Shapiro may not be the most popular move in Toronto, but it is the right one.
Next. Questions remain with Smoak. dark
Mark Shapiro wants to finish what he started with the Toronto Blue Jays. Given his track record, he deserves that opportunity.