Report: Dodgers have been in contact with Bautista

While the free-agent market has been booming for players such as Yoenis Cespedes, Mark Melancon, and Rich Hill - among others - the interest in outfielder Jose Bautista has been minimal, although things may be changing.

Bautista's camp has been contacted by the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to a source of the Toronto Star's Richard Griffin.

The talks are on hold until the major-league trade market plays out, Griffin adds. This would give teams and Bautista's camp a better understanding of what his value may be.

The 36-year-old slugger had a down year, appearing in 116 games and posting his lowest OPS since 2009 before he broke out as one of baseball's premier sluggers.

Though he didn't reproduce the rate of production he had from 2010-15, Bautista still knocked in 69 runs to go along with 22 homers while recording a .366 on-base percentage.

If the season were to begin today, the Dodgers' outfield would consist of Joc Pederson, Yasiel Puig, and Andrew Toles.

Bautista would most certainly be an upgrade from an offensive standpoint, although he'd drive up the age of the team. He was also a below-average outfielder last season statistically, posting a minus-8 in defensive runs saved.

The Dodgers also have their sights set on re-signing Justin Turner and Kenley Jansen, and have actively been involved in reported trade talks involving Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen.