Jose Bautista asking for more than $30 million per year

Jose Bautista denied reports that he was asking for a 5-year $150 million extension with the reason being that he wants more.

It’s very clear that Jose Bautista is going to become very rich, but it remains to be seen whether that will be with the Toronto Blue Jays. He denied reports that he wants $30 million per year over five years, but that’s only because he wants more than that. At least, that’s according to Jon Heyman:

While Bautista stated that he didn’t want his contract status to be a distraction heading into spring training, that’s becoming harder to deal with the more he raises his asking price. Make no mistake, Bautista is one of the best outfielders in the game, and is extremely valuable to the Blue Jays franchise, but he is also 36 years old. He shouldn’t still be making above $30 million by the end of his deal when his play will decrease dramatically.

Jays fans would be sad to see him go, but they are still one of the best offensive teams without him. It would also make the decision between keeping him or Edwin Encarnacion easier. Encarnacion is three years younger and can play infield as well as DH. The Jays also have good outfield prospects coming up through the system like Dalton Pompey and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Let the Los Angeles Dodgers burn their money on a deal with Bautista.