As I reported earlier today the Toronto Blue Jays and shortstop John McDonald were close to securing a new deal.

That deal was made official today as the Jays and McDonald reached a two-year deal worth $3 million.

McDonald, a sensational defensive shortstop throughout his entire major league career has spent the last six seasons in a Blue Jays uniform.

McDonald, a huge fan favourite in Toronto for his gritty style of play combined with his defensive wizardry atop the Rogers Centre’s tough artificial turf field will most likely be a stop gap starter at shortstop next season as the Jays look to rebuild.

Although the veteran McDonald is fantastic defensively he is only a career .238 hitter and has been used mainly as a super utility player through out the Cito Gaston era as manager of the Jays.

The popular McDonald could also end up in the same role next season if the Jays trade or sign a new starting shortstop during the off-season.

The Jays are still in possible talks with last season’s starting shortstop Marco Scutaro, but would prefer to receive the two draft pick compensation in return for him leaving via free agency to another squad.

The Jays are also looking to add shortstop prospects through potential trades of ace starting pitcher Roy Halladay and first baseman Lyle Overbay, as the Jays farm system is slim from the shortstop perspective.