Toronto Blue Jays Rumours: Phillies Express Interest in Jose Bautista

While the Toronto Blue Jays continue to take their time with Jose Bautista, the Philadelphia Phillies have reportedly expressed interest in the free agent slugger.

With the free agent market for hitters slowly developing, the Philadelphia Phillies have reportedly emerged as a potential suitor for Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista, according to a report from Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal.

However, Rosenthal also says the Phillies are apparently reluctant to pursue Bautista because he would cost the team a first round draft pick. If Philadelphia were to change their stance and pursue Bautista, their first pick in the 2017 MLB Draft, which is eight overall, is protected, so the team would be forced to forfeit the 45th pick in the draft, should they sign Bautista.

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However, the Phillies are in no rush to make a move, according to Rosenthal, and the team has a wide-ranging list of potential targets that includes Michael Saunders and Brandon Moss. The Phillies would even consider a trade for an outfielder like Jay Bruce, says Rosenthal.

In other words, the Phillies have kicked the tires on Bautista but nothing is imminent at this point as the team continues to do their due diligence throughout the free agent market.

As for the Blue Jays, Rosenthal says Toronto is still interested, but, as we’ve seen throughout this offseason, the team is in no rush when it comes to Bautista.

Signing with the Phillies just doesn’t make sense for the 36-year-old outfielder, though. Bautista has made it no secret he would prefer to stay in Toronto, or at the very least play for a contender. The Phillies are in a rebuild and are far from contending, so unless the money is lucrative, I don’t see how this move makes sense for Bautista. Perhaps this is his agent throwing a report out there to try to generate interest in his client? Who knows at this point.

What we do know is that Bautista is still available, is reportedly willing to take a one-year to deal to stay in Toronto, and the Blue Jays need an outfielder. The fit is there on paper, but Toronto’s brass clearly has a plan when it comes to Bautista. What that plan might be is a mystery, but the longer Bautista is a free agent, the harder it is to believe that Jays are actually interested in bringing him back.

Next: There's No Excuse for Blue Jays Not to Sign Bautista

What are your thoughts on the Toronto Blue Jays treatment of Jose Bautista this offseason? Do you think they are actually interested in bringing him back, or are they just saying that for PR’s sake? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.