The Toronto Blue Jays are another step closer to an arbitration with Josh Donaldson and Danny Valencia, a process the team's club hasn't gone through in almost 20 years.

Neither infielder came to an agreement on new 2015 contracts by Friday's 1 p.m. (ET) deadline and are now both eligible to have an arbitrator determine how much they'll earn.

That process could begin as early as Feb. 1.

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Donaldson, Toronto's big off-season trade acquisition, made $500,000 (U.S.) as a third-year player in 2014 with the Oakland A's.

It was being reported on Friday that the third baseman submitted an offer of $5.75-million to the Blue Jays, who countered with $4.3-million.

Valencia reportedly is seeking $1.6-million while the Blue Jays offered $1.2-million.

It is still possible that both parties could work out a deal before their hearings are heard.

The Blue Jays on Friday reached new agreements with their other arbitration eligible players – outfielder Michael Saunders ($2.8-million) and pitcher Marco Estrada ($3.9-million).

In other news, the Blue Jays announced they have signed popular infielder Munenori Kawasaki to a minor-league contract with an invite to major-league spring training.