Will Toronto Blue Jays Regret Only Giving Jose Bautista One Year?

The latest reports indicate the Toronto Blue Jays will still only offer Jose Bautista a one-year deal, but is this the right move by the front office?

There was arguably an overriding sentiment of “Finally!” among Toronto Blue Jays‘ fans, late on Sunday Night. As per a report from MLB.com’s Jessie Sanchez, Jose Bautista is close to finalizing a deal to return to Southern Ontario this coming season.

This is excellent news, especially after seeing one of your best relievers (Brett Cecil) and arguably the game’s best hitter (Edwin Encarnacion) sign for other teams. The question is, why did it take so long for the Blue Jays to re-sign Bautista?

There are several aspects at play here, including the ongoing speculation that the front office no longer wanted to deal with the 36-year old’s ego and unpredictable mood. However, perhaps the biggest factor was that Mark Shapiro and Ross Atkins actually valued a first-round draft pick more than the home-run slugger.

Ironically though, it was this draft pick which affected how much interest other teams had in Bautista. He was also compromised by a combination of his age, declining defensive skills and a down year in 2016.

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Regardless, there was enough reasons for the Blue Jays to bring the six-time All-Star back to Toronto. He still offers the potential for a superior bat, has the versatility to help out at DH and first base, while also arguably being a better alternative in the corners, compared to Melvin Upton and Ezequiel Carrera.

Perhaps the main reason for bringing back Bautista though, relates to the fact he will be playing with an even bigger chip on his shoulder than usual (and that’s saying something). He will no doubt perceive the lack of interest in him as a slight, which can only work to the Blue Jays’ advantage.

Yes, the three-time Silver Slugger did have a down year in 2016, but it was affected by two stints on the disabled list. And yet, he still managed to produce 22 home runs and 69 RBIs.

If Bautista can return to full fitness this season, he should be able to bounce back. However, just in case he doesn’t have enough motivation — as unlikely as this is — there is one other incentive.

According to Yahoo Sports’ Jeff Passan, despite discussing multiple iterations of a deal, it is believed the Dominican Republic native will only sign a one-year contract. If true, this means he will be looking to prove himself to the league, before finding himself in a similar position next off-season.

What makes such a deal even more interesting is that, as per the new CBA, no draft pick will be attached to Bautista after the 2017 season. As long as he has a productive season, you imagine this will lead to more teams being eager to offer him a deal.

Overall, as we previously wrote, it made too much sense for the former 20th round draft pick not to return to Toronto. Now, Blue Jays’ fans get to watch one of the proudest players in the Majors attempt to prove everyone wrong.

This is going to be a lot of fun.

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What’s your take on Bautista’s return to Toronto? Are you happy the Blue Jays are going to re-sign him, or where you prepared to move forward without the six-time All-Star? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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