Blue Jays: Despite Rumour, Don’t Expect Bautista to be Traded
Despite a recent trade rumour, it’s very unlikely that the Toronto Blue Jays will trade outfielder Jose Bautista at the MLB Trade Deadline.
With the MLB Trade Deadline fast approaching, it’s that time of the year where baseball fans take a heightened interest in trade rumours. One of the recent rumours that has garnered a lot of attention involves Toronto Blue Jays superstar outfielder Jose Bautista.
Barry Svrluga of The Washington Post reported Wednesday night that the Washington Nationals inquired with the Blue Jays about the availability of Bautista. The report drew quite the reaction from Blue Jays’ fans, as the 35-year-old soon-to-be free agent outfielder is always a lightning rod for conversation.
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However, unless the Nationals are offering a package that includes players like Lucas Giolito, Trea Turner and/or Joe Ross, the chances of Bautista being traded are almost slim to none. Aside from a substantial return being required, Bautista has to approve any potential trade thanks to his 10/5 rights.
Also, in regards to this report involving the Nationals, let’s not make this bigger than what it really is. The Nationals simply inquired about Bautista. To our knowledge, they did not make an offer.
From Washington’s perspective, does it make sense for them to part ways with a blue chip prospect like Giolito for a rental player like Bautista? Probably not. Plus, unless they plan on benching left fielder Jayson Werth, or first baseman Ryan Zimmerman, where does Bautista play for the Nats? Bryce Harper occupies right field and — in case you haven’t heard — he’s pretty good.
Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi echoed a similar sentiment on Thursday morning when he spoke with Ben Ennis and David Bastl on Sportsnet 590 The FAN.
“You inquire about everybody,” Davidi said. “If you’re the Blue Jays, you ask about a ton of guys and 98 per cent of them have no chance of being traded. I think it’s more interesting for off-season potential that they [could] have interest in him now. They might have interest in the off-season and Jose Bautista would certainly be a fit for the Nationals. They have great pitching and could use more offence. Subtracting Jose from a team that’s trying to win makes zero sense unless you get a piece that helps you win immediately. I don’t see a scenario where that works out.”
“There really isn’t a ton of significance to it.”
Rumours surrounding Bautista will continue to linger, but like Davidi mentioned, the idea of moving him makes zero sense considering the Blue Jays main goal is to win now. I understand the possibility of losing Bautista — and also Edwin Encarnacion — for nothing but a compensatory pick is a terrifying thought. But with this team having a realistic shot at winning the American League, that’s a risk worth taking.
Planning for the future is a necessity in professional sports, but so is taking advantage of “windows to win”, which is something the Blue Jays are currently in.
Next: Blue Jays: Ross Atkins Not Done, But Admits Pitching Options Limited
So forget the idea of trading Bautista. Unless a trade offer absolutely overwhelms the Blue Jays, which doesn’t make sense if you’re the other organization, it’s highly unlikely that he goes anywhere.