Toronto Blue Jays: Is it time for Jose Bautista to call it quits?

Jose Bautista has said he wants to continue playing next season, but is time for the former Toronto Blue Jays superstar to hang up his cleats?

If you’re a Toronto Blue Jays fan, you more than likely have positive memories when it comes to Jose Bautista. He is without doubt one of the very best players in franchise history.

As such, Bautista’s fall from grace has probably been tough for fans to watch, even though he is no longer plying his trade in Toronto. In truth, the signs were already there based on his play during his final two years with the Blue Jays, with injuries and age impacting his production.

This production has only decreased further during 2018, as the six-time All-Star has split his time between the Atlanta Braves, New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies. For example, he is on course for his worst batting average since 2005, when he only played 11 games in the Majors.

Bautista will also finish the 2018 campaign with his fewest home runs and RBIs since 2009, which was the year before he broke out and proved he could be a top-notch player. And his defensive play continues to deteriorate.

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Regardless, the 37-year-old is reluctant to call it quits. As reported by Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, he has indicated his plan to continue playing next year.

This leads to the question of if this is such a good idea for Bautista? Or should he hang up his cleats and retire?

There is nothing worse than watching an athlete who previously dominated, but is now struggling to even play to a reasonable level. In fairness, you’re a long time retired as a professional athlete, so why wouldn’t you want to continue for as long as possible?

However, if Bautista is to continue playing next year, he will have to make certain concessions. For example, his preference to sign for a contender is something he will not likely have much control over.

On the flip side, the six-time Silver Slugger does still have some value, as noted by Connor Byrne of MLB Trade Rumors. Bautista impressed the Mets with his versatility during his stint in New York and he has been an invaluable mentor for the Phillies’ younger players.

In terms of the 2000 20th round draft pick’s productivity, one area where he is still performing to a reasonable standard is on base percentage. Along with his walk ratio, this would offer further evidence for why he isn’t making a mistake in wanting to return next year.

Bautista will never again reach the heights he achieved in Toronto, but the reality is we can never fully appreciate the mindset as a professional athlete. As such, if he’s healthy enough and as long as there are teams willing to take a chance, he is right to play at least one more year before calling it quits.

What do you believe Bautista should do following this season? Should the former Toronto Blue Jays star retire, or attempt to come back and play again in the Majors next season? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.