TORONTO -- Although the Toronto Blue Jays re-signed Carlos Delgado, he can still wait a while to see if he wants to remain among them.

	Delgado

The three-year, $36 million agreement includes an option clause that allows Delgado the right to demand a trade after the 2000 season. If he exercises the option within 10 days after the World Series, the Jays would have until Feb. 15 to find a taker. If none is found, Delgado could either become a free agent or stay with the club.

The Blue Jays also gave Delgado a no-trade clause, something they've never done before.

Delgado's average annual salary of $12 million ties New York Yankees pitcher David Cone for the 10th-highest in baseball.

After making $5,075,000 last season, he gets a $3 million signing bonus, $5.6 million next year, $12.65 million in 2001 and $14.75 million in 2002.

"We were able to work a deal out where I was happy, not so much with the money but with some of the clauses that are in the contract," Delgado said. "At the end of season we were talking about a long-term contract but I had a few concerns."

Delgado mentioned Toronto's uncertain ownership situation, manager Jim Fregosi's decision to fire five coaches he liked, and Shawn Green's departure as his concerns. His agent also said money was a reason for the clauses.

"He has the opportunity to see what happens with the salaries this year and see how much they go up, and how much he's giving up in order to remain here," said agent David Sloane.

Delgado, who would have been a free agent after the 2000 season, hit 44 home runs with 134 RBI in 1999. He is a career .267 hitter with 149 home runs and 467 RBI, and is the franchise leader with a .531 slugging percentage. Delgado also is a leader in the clubhouse and popular with fans.

"We didn't want to see Carlos leave us as a free agent and the club get nothing in return," Blue Jays general manager Gord Ash said. "This allows us to explore the marketplace and get something in return should he wish to trigger that clause."

Delgado said he hopes he won't have to use the clause, and Sloane said he would be surprised if he did.

Both sides agreed to the three-year deal after failing to agree on a five-year contract. Toronto offered $60 million for five years, Delgado asked for $67.5 million.

"I got security and in three years I'll be 30. I'll still be in a prime and get to do another contract," Delgado said. "If at the end of the season something needs to be addressed, we'll address it.

"I'm not going to jump the gun and say, well in September things are going to be bad. And I don't see a reason why things are going to be bad with Fregosi."

The Blue Jays discussed trading Delgado after contracts talks stalled, but demand for Delgado on baseball's trade market was lukewarm, with four teams believed to have expressed interest.

Clubs were reluctant to trade quality players to Toronto and then sign Delgado to a huge contract extension.

"This is pretty awesome from the business side," Delgado said. "I love the city, the money is right, the terms are right and the length is right. In three years I'm a free agent again."