Jul 28, 2016
Report: Nats interested in Bautista
If the Toronto Blue Jays are looking to unload pending free agent Jose Bautista, the team appears to have at least one suitor. According to Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post, the Washington Nationals have inquired about the Jays slugger, though a trade remains unlikely.
TSN.ca Staff
If the Toronto Blue Jays are looking to unload pending free agent Jose Bautista, the team appears to have at least one suitor.
According to Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post, the Washington Nationals have inquired about the Jays slugger, though a trade remains unlikely.
The Blue Jays, 57-45, appear more likely to add at the MLB’s Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline instead of subtract as they look to repeat as AL East champions. Bautista can also veto any trade thanks to his 10-5 rights.
The Nationals own the second best record in baseball at 59-42 and sit fourth in the MLB in home runs.
Bautista, 35, has 12 home runs and 42 RBI in 68 games this season while hitting at a .224 average. The right fielder returned from a turf toe injury on Monday night.
Reigning NL MVP Bryce Harper occupies right field for the Nationals, meaning a move to Washington could force Bautista to move to a new position, possibly first base. Current Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman has 12 homers and 38 RBI with a .218 average in 76 games this season.