Fansided

MLB Free Agency 2017: Top 18 players left on the market

By Joshua Sadlock

Oct 14, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion hits a single against the Cleveland Indians in the third inning in game one of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 14, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion hits a single against the Cleveland Indians in the third inning in game one of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 19, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) hits a double during the ninth inning against the Cleveland Indians in game five of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) hits a double during the ninth inning against the Cleveland Indians in game five of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Jose Bautista, RF/DH

The biggest chatter on Joey Bats so far this offseason was sparked by Orioles GM Dan Duquette saying that his team would not pursue Bautista because of how hated he is in Baltimore. Jokes aside, Duquette could have said that the real reason his team is not in on Bautista is because he is 36 and coming off the worst season of his career.

Bautista famously stated last spring that he would be seeking a five-year deal for over $150 million in free agency. Now, he may be lucky to get two years and $30 million. GMs around the league simply are not lining up to sign a declining hitter who has a first-round draft pick tied to him.

Perhaps the Orioles will be tempted to get back in on Bautista if his value drops so much. The Blue Jays feel like the most logical fit, but only if Bautista is willing to accept a short-term deal. The Jays have already signed Kendrys Morales, who will block some of Bautista’s potential at-bats at DH. Entering the twilight of his career, Bautista really should be DHing more frequently. Almsot all of his value at this point is tied up in his bat, not his glove. Playing right field is an unnecessary risk with very little upside. On a one-year deal, Bautista will be able to go back out on the market next year when the dreaded stigma of a lost draft pick will no longer bog down free agency.

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