The extension of the relationship between José Bautista (OF, TOR) and the Blue Jays has not gone as planned for either side.
At this point—with Bautista’s contact rate continuing its three-year slide and the bat-flipper extraordinaire having fewer opportunities to demonstrate that skill, thanks to a PX that has slipped back near league average—it would seem doubtful that Toronto will exercise its end of the $17 million mutual option on Bautista’s services for 2018.
Instead, if Toronto can find a taker (who perhaps agrees to pick up some of his salary), Bautista’s parting gift may be a trade to a contender looking for a right-handed outfielder with playoff experience.
If Bautista is sent elsewhere, Toronto would likely...
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