Good news for Casey Janssen fans today as the Toronto Blue Jays announced they have agreed to a two-year, $5.9MM contract extension with the right handed reliever. The two sides were expected to head to arbitration but have avoided that messy process and the new deal will keep a key relief pitcher around for a couple more seasons.
The 30-year-old posted a 2.26 ERA with 8.6 K/9, 2.3 BB/9 and a 47.3% ground ball rate in 55 2/3 innings last year, when he earned $1.095MM as a second-time arbitration eligible player. Janssen was a 1.3 WAR reliever last season with a very solid 2.45 FIP, 1.10 WHIP and a paltry .227 batting average against.
The revamped Jays bullpen should be among the leagues best. Check out the Jays 2012 ZIPS projections for the pitching staff.
