Marlins deal Jose Reyes, Josh Johnson to Jays in blockbuster

Miami, FL, United States (4E Sports) – The Miami Marlins sent shortstop Jose Reyes and pitcher Josh Johnson to the Toronto Blue Jays, in a multiple-player trade Tuesday.

Also going to Toronto are pitcher Mark Buehrle, catcher John Buck and infielder-outfielder Emilio Bonifacio.

The roster infusion immediately makes Toronto a serious contender for the AL East in 2013.

In turn, the Marlins receive shortstop Yunel Escobar, outfielder Jake Marisnick and infield prospect Adeiny Hechavarria.

Reports indicate that the Marlins will also get pitcher Henderson Alvarez, minor-leaguers Justin Nicolino, and Anthony DeSclafani, and a catcher among J.P. Arencibia, Jeff Mathis or Bobby Wilson.

Neither team has announced the deal.

Major League Baseball has yet to receive the particulars of the proposed trade.

The Marlins had Reyes under a 6 year-$106 million deal and Buehrle to 4 years-$58 million contract.

Buck has one year remaining at $6 million, Johnson one year at $13.75 million, and Bonifacio is eligible for arbitration after making $2.2 million last year.

The deal will drastically reduce Miami’s payroll, which nearly increased to $100 million.

It will also remove all the Marlins’ big-name signings in the franchise’s rebranding effort.

Heath Bell was earlier traded to Arizona and manager Ozzie Guillen was fired.

---

---