Jose Bautista says he'd 'be stupid to leave' Toronto in free agency
Jose Bautista became one of the game's most feared power hitters and a perennial All-Star upon his arrival in Toronto eight years ago. But his days with the Blue Jays could be coming to an end.
He is set to become a free agent after this season and -- barring a change of heart -- isn't going to negotiate a new deal during the season. But it's clear that staying in Toronto is his first choice.
"I love the city," Bautista told Sports Illustrated. "I'd be stupid to leave."
When he arrived in Toronto in a trade from the Pittsburgh Pirates in August 2008, Bautista had hit 43 homers in four-plus seasons in the majors. In his second full season with the Blue Jays, he hit 54. Since the trade to Toronto, he has 254 long balls and two home run titles -- and one legendary bat flip.
Bautista is in the final year of a six-year, $78 million contract that obviously has paid off for the team. In the spring, there were reports that he was seeking a five-year, $150 million deal. Not exactly a hometown discount.
The Blue Jays are in a tough spot. Although Bautista is one of the game's top power hitters, he will be 36 in October. Paying him top dollar on a multiyear deal obviously would come with plenty of risk. Plus, the defending AL East champions also have to find a way to retain fellow slugger Edwin Encarnacion, who also will be a free agent after this season.
