The Toronto Blue Jays haven't abandoned hope that Josh Donaldson can be signed to a contract extension before his arbitration case is heard later this month.

Arbitration dates are expected to remain confidential until a ruling is announced, but Donaldson's case will be heard before the start of Spring Training.

Donaldson submitted a figure of $11.8 million for arbitration while Toronto went with $11.35 million.

The 30-year-old remains under club control for three more years and he won't be eligible for free agency until after the 2018 season.