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MLB Rumors: NL GM ‘wouldn’t be surprised’ if Jose Bautista was available for trade

By Bryan Rose

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Aug 17, 2013; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) hits a solo home run during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 17, 2013; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) hits a solo home run during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Playing in a division with the Tampa Bay Rays, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles isn’t fun. You could conceivably win 80+ games and yet still find yourself constantly finishing the season in last place, something the Toronto Blue Jays are well aware of.

That’s not to say the Jays haven’t attempted to put forth an effort to win. They have. Money has been spent – talent his been brought in. But it just hasn’t been enough, especially in the pitching department. Knowing this, the team has reportedly opened up their ears on potential Jose Bautista trades, with one National League general manager saying he ‘wouldn’t be surprised’ if Jose Bautista was available in a trade:

"The Jays are desperate for at least two starting pitchers and dealing Bautista may land them one. “It’s a name we’re hearing through backchannels right now, but wouldn’t be surprised if he’s available” said an NL general manager."

With a mildly expensive contract ($14 million in each of 2014, 2015 and a $14 million team option in 2016) and decline slowly creeping up, it’s questionable as to how much of a return the Blue Jays could snag in such a trade scenario, but there’s certainly no harm in listening.

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