Report: Blue Jays haven't offered Bautista more than 1-year, $17.2M

As the Toronto Blue Jays continue to search for upgrades in the outfield, the team isn't budging on its stance regarding one of the franchise's most iconic athletes.

The organization has not presented Jose Bautista with a deal that exceeds the initial one-year, $17.2-million qualifying offer, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network.

It was recently reported that the Blue Jays, while still in talks with Bautista's camp, were unwilling to offer the 36-year-old a multi-year deal higher in annual salary than the $17.2-million qualifying offer.

The Blue Jays submitted qualifying offers to Edwin Encarnacion and Bautista in November that were both rejected, which ties the two former sluggers to draft pick compensation if they sign elsewhere. The market for Bautista has been slow to develop, but has picked up as of late, with the Los Angeles Dodgers showing interest in the slugger.

Morosi notes the Blue Jays have well-known interest in trading for New York Mets outfielder Jay Bruce. The team from Canada have a need in the outfield after missing out on free-agent Dexter Fowler, who signed a five-year, $82.5-million deal with the St. Louis Cardinals.