Toronto Blue Jays: Is the Renewed Interest in Jose Bautista Genuine?
By Paul Taylor
The Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly resumed talks with Jose Bautista, but something doesn’t quite add up about this renewed interest.
For the longest time, the overriding sense was that if the Toronto Blue Jays could bring one of Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion back in 2017, it would be the latter. Encarnacion is younger, coming off a much more productive season and just generally less of a pain in the ass.
However, if the latest speculation is to be believed, this situation seems to have been flipped on its head. First off, the Blue Jays have apparently now all but closed the door on the Encarnacion era.
Maybe even more surprising, comes the news that the organization has a renewed interest in re-signing Bautista. As reported by Sportsnet‘s Hazel Mae, the Blue Jays met with the six-time All-Star’s camp on Tuesday afternoon.
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Shortly after, MLB Network insider Jon Heyman confirmed this information, while adding that the two sides are in talks again. If true, this is a stunning development.
After having their qualifying offer rejected, the Blue Jays appeared to have little interest in reopening negotiations. In fact, with Bautista’s reputation for being surly and difficult to deal with, it figured to be better for the organization to move on.
As for the player himself, it was always believed there would be a market for one of the best free agent hitters available – ironically after Encarnacion. However, demand for him has not been as high as anticipated.
There are likely two factors involved in this, with the first being Bautista’s productivity — or lack thereof — during this past season. He endured an injury-riddled year and finished with his least productive campaign since 2009.
The second factor relates to the 36-year old’s age, with teams’ probably not wanting to risk a long-term contract on a player who could be set to regress. Throw in the first rounder that would be lost after he rejected his qualifying offer, and it is understandably why clubs would be weary.
Among those who have ruled themselves out for Bautista are the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles who, amusingly, apparetly informed his camp that their fans just don’t like him. However, the question still remains as to why the Blue Jays have renewed their interest?
There are several possibilities. The first is their own struggles to find much traction in obtaining quality help for the outfield.
The second is that the Blue Jays possibly now believe they can get the three-time Silver Slugger for a more reasonable price, given the faltering interest from around the league. Another theory is they are using him as leverage for Dexter Fowler, who they have also been in talks with.
Overall, it should be noted Bautista hasn’t been entirely without interest, with the Cleveland Indians reportedly expressing an interest in him. However, it’s going to be an interesting few days (or weeks), waiting to see how this all plays out.
Next: Did Encarnacion's agent overplay his hand?
What’s your opinion on the Blue Jays’ apparent renewed interest in re-signing Bautista? Do you believe it’s genuine, or is he just being used as leverage for other options? Further, do you even want to see him return to Toronto next season? Share your thoughts in the comments section.