TORONTO - As expected, the Toronto Blue Jays have exercised team options for three of its core players.
Right fielder Jose Bautista, starting pitcher R.A. Dickey and designated hitter/first baseman Edwin Encarnacion will make $14 million, $12 million and $10 million, respectively, in 2016.
Infielder Maicer Izturis had his option of $3 million declined by the Blue Jays. The club instead will hand Izturis a $1-million buyout.
Friday at 5 p.m. EST is Toronto's next contract-related deadline, with Marco Estrada's qualifying offer due then.
In the 2015 regular season, Bautista ranked second among Jays in home runs (40) and RBIs (114) while Encarncion was not too far behind, racking up 39 dingers and driving in 111 to trail only Bautista and third baseman Josh Donaldson in both categories.