Kelly Johnson

Kelly Johnson has accepted arbitration from the Blue Jays.

Johnson had a shot to net a multi-year deal on the free agent market, but he’s decided to take the safe route and accept a sure raise from his $5.85 million salary from 2011. The 29-year-old batted .222/.304/.413 with 21 home runs, 58 RBI, 16 stolen bases and a .717 OPS over 613 plate appearances with the Diamondbacks and Blue Jays this past season. GM Alex Anthopoulos has indicated that even if Johnson accepted arbitration, he could still go after a second baseman since Johnson can also play the outfield. That seems unlikely, though.

According to Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com, Kelly Johnson is “giving serious thought” to accepting arbitration from the Blue Jays.

Johnson, a Type B free agent, hasn’t found many promising offers elsewhere, so it would make some sense for him to accept. The 29-year-old second baseman earned $5.85 million this season while batting .222/.304/.413 with 21 home runs, 58 RBI, 16 stolen bases and a .717 OPS over 613 plate appearances.

According to Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com, the Blue Jays remain open to bringing back free agent Kelly Johnson.

Johnson was offered arbitration by the Jays last week, so they are at least prepared for the possibility that he could accept. The 29-year-old second baseman earned $5.85 million this season while batting .222/.304/.413 with 21 home runs, 58 RBI, 16 stolen bases and a .717 OPS over 613 plate appearances. If he declines arbitration and signs elsewhere, the Blue Jays would net two picks in next year’s First-Year Player Draft.

The Blue Jays offered arbitration to Kelly Johnson.

Johnson posted a cool .270/.364/.417 slash line in 33 games after joining Toronto in a late-season trade. He’s due a raise over the $5.85 million salary that he earned in 2011, but the Jays will pay it if he wants to return.