Blue Jays, Jose Bautista Reopen Talks On Short-Term Deal
Posted: Fri Dec 30, 2016 1:38 pm
by RealGM Wiretap
The Toronto Blue Jays could re-sign Jose Bautista after all if a short-term deal can be agreed upon.
It was reported on Thursday that the Blue Jays are "engaged in active contract discussions" with Bautista, but nothing is imminent.
Via Gregor Chisholm/MLB
Re: Blue Jays, Jose Bautista Reopen Talks On Short-Term Deal
Posted: Sat Dec 31, 2016 1:03 am
by mawbsta
Presumably, all teams are in active talks with all free agents that fit the bill
Bautista is an enigma. On one hand he's as clutch as they come, on the other his arrogance and over-confidence helps creates notable complacency within the team... letting Bautista walk was fiscally a prudent move. Handing him 130-150mil prior to the 2016 season would have been over-spending, and sure would have looked like a mistake after a .234/22/69 injury-plagued campaign. Offering the QO was also prudent as it guaranteed the team a compensatory pick. This does nothing of course to reign in the commitment of a 2-time home run king and one of the most dominant, and feared hitters of this decade. If the Jays can find a way to trade for a better defensive, equally impressive offensive weapon (e.g McCutchen) then this is the prudent move to make. It assures (dynamic) production at the top of the order, (McCutchen and Travis) and solidifies the middle of the order with Donaldson, Tulo and Morales all in line for 30-100 seasons. Throw in the pick for Bautista's new team, and it makes a ton of sense.
of course, as enigma's go, so too are the thought processes around arguably the best power hitter the Jays have ever had, one who will no doubt wear a Jays cap should he one day be enshrined in the hall of fame.
For 18-20mil per over a 2-year term, the Jays could do worse