According to Jon Heyman of Fan Rag Sports, Jose Bautista and the Toronto Blue Jays are in serious discussions for a two-year deal that could be worth approximately $35 million. It was first reported by Jesse Sanchez on Twitter.
Bautista is one of the best free agent hitters on the market, and his signing will presumably clear the way for players like Mark Trumbo and Brandon Moss to work out deals with other teams. If this deal does in fact get done, it will also eliminate one potential landing spot for Jay Bruce.
The Bruce market has been so slow mostly because hitters like Bautista and Trumbo have yet to sign. While this deal would eliminate the Blue Jays as trading partners, other teams linked to Bruce this offseason include the Mariners, Orioles, Phillies, and the Rangers.
In 2016, the 6-time All Star hit .244/.366/.452 with 22 home runs and 69 RBIs in 116 games.
