Fansided

5 potential free-agent landing spots for Jose Bautista

By Joshua Sadlock

Aug 31, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista (19) high fives teammates after hitting a home run in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 31, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista (19) high fives teammates after hitting a home run in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 20, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) left fielder Tony Kemp (16) and right fielder George Springer (4) celebrate after the end of the game against the Oakland Athletics at the Oakland Coliseum. The Houston Astros defeated the Oakland Athletics 2 to 1. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) left fielder Tony Kemp (16) and right fielder George Springer (4) celebrate after the end of the game against the Oakland Athletics at the Oakland Coliseum. The Houston Astros defeated the Oakland Athletics 2 to 1. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports /

Houston Astros

The Astros have one of the best young groups in the league thanks to their smart rebuilding process, but are still in danger of being swallowed up by the Rangers and Seattle Mariners in the AL West. While the front office has done a masterful job of drafting and developing young talent, they have drawn criticism for being too cautious. In 2015, armed with a boatload of cash and prospects, the Astros traded for Mike Fiers and Carlos Gomez when Cole Hamels and Yoenis Cespedes were available.

This winter, the Astros need to make at least one move to push themselves over the hump. The starting rotation is still a question mark, but will be difficult to upgrade given the weak free-agent class. The offense has a handful of exciting young players, but holes remain. There are too many swing-and-miss hitters in the lineup.

If the Astros are willing to make a splash in free agency this winter, they could consider signing Bautista to DH. His presence would improve the team’s poor on-base percentage and take pressure off Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa to do everything. The tiny dimensions of Minute Maid Park also play to Bautista’s strengths as a hitter. Of the teams on this list, the Astros are a longer shot to land the Joey Bats, but they could emerge as a late bidder for his services.

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