Jays' Brett Lawrie traded to Athletics for Josh Donaldson

The Toronto Blue Jays and Oakland Athletics have confirmed a blockbuster, multi-player deal that sends Brett Lawrie to the Athletics in exchange for Josh Donaldson.

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The Jaysreceive Donaldson, an All-Starthird baseman, in exchange for Lawrie, pitching prospects Kendall Graveman and Sean Nolin, as well as minor league short stop Franklin Barreto.

Athletics general manager Billy Beaneprovided his reasoning for the deal in a conference call on Friday.

"We wouldn't have done the deal unless it addressed now and the future and they were able to do that," said Beane. "This deal in our minds addresses a little bit of everything. They were reluctant to give up all four players and we weren't going to do it without those four players in the deal."

Lawrie, a native of Langley B.C, appeared in 345 games over four seasons with the Jays after being acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers. The 24-year-old, who battled injury woes in recent years, batted .247 with 12 home runs and 38 RBI in 2014.

Jays slugger Jose Bautistareached out to his now former teammate shortly after news of the trade broke.

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Nolin, regarded as one of Toronto's top pitching prospects, is also a key piece going the other way in the deal. However, the left-hander has logged just 2 1/3innings of big-league action.

An MLB All-Star in 2014, Donaldson, 28, spent his first four seasons with Oakland. He adds another right-handed bat to the Blue Jays' lineup.