5 teams that should make 1-year offer to Bautista

Jose Bautista is betting on himself.

Reports came out Saturday morning claiming the free-agent slugger is willing to accept a one-year deal that exceeds $17.2 million to try to re-establish his value heading into next offseason.

Bautista had established himself as one of the most feared hitters in the majors over the last seven seasons, but dealt with a number of injuries last year that contributed to one of his worst seasons since being a part-time player in 2009.

The thought of landing a motivated Bautista on a short-term should attract several suitors. Here are five teams that should be in the thick of negotiations on a one-year deal for the six-time All-Star:

Rays

There isn't a more perfect fit for Bautista than the Rays. Tampa Bay has a solid core it wishes to complement with a power-hitting corner outfielder on a short-term deal. Adding someone with Bautista's resume would help build excitement among the fan base, while showing veterans Evan Longoria and Chris Archer there's still a commitment to winning. Bautista, in turn, would get the opportunity to be an everyday player in the outfield, allowing him to restore his value. While most teams would be reluctant to surrender a first-round pick for a one-year deal, the Rays' selection (No. 4) is protected, so they would have to forfeit their second-round pick instead. With a strong pitching staff, adding Bautista could make them a dark horse wild-card team.

Indians

After luring Edwin Encarnacion to Cleveland with the richest free-agent contract in franchise history, the reigning AL champs should double down and go get Bautista. The small-market Indians are arguably the favorites to repeat - along with the Red Sox - but there remains a need for a right-handed-hitting corner outfielder with power that Bautista would immediately fill. The Indians aren't operating with a large payroll, but the one-year commitment to a slugger with Bautista's skill set should be worth serious consideration. For Bautista, Cleveland presents an opportunity to reunite with his close friend Encarnacion while playing on a team with a real shot at winning a World Series.

Blue Jays

There's no question Bautista is sports royalty in Toronto. He wants to return, the fans want him to return, and he fills the need for the Blue Jays at multiple positions (right field, first base, designated hitter). Despite his down season in 2016, he's hammered 136 home runs in 526 games at Rogers Centre and owns a .957 OPS throughout his career at the stadium. On a one-year deal, the Blue Jays would be able to reunite with Bautista without the long-term commitment they were clearly worried about. They received a compensation pick for Encarnacion, which would soften the blow of not landing one for re-signing Bautista.

Phillies

The Phillies have spent the last few months acquiring veterans on short-term deals so that they can possibly flip them for future assets at the non-waiver trade deadline. Bautista would feature in the middle of the Phillies' lineup and could show leadership on the young, rebuilding team. At his age, however, it's unlikely he would want to play for a losing club, and playing for a team that will likely flip him months into the season may not be appealing. But if it's about securing the most money and playing time on a short-term deal, the Phillies could be strong suitors.

Rockies

The Rockies are in the market to add another big bat this winter and have been linked to Mark Trumbo, but why not take a less risky deal and make a short-term offer to Bautista. The Rockies have already surrendered their first-round pick to sign Ian Desmond, so they would only need to forfeit a second-rounder for Bautista. The 36-year-old could serve as an outfielder or see time at first base for the Rockies, allowing them to move Desmond to center field. Bautista would no doubt benefit from hitting at Coors Field for a full season, while making Colorado a real threat to reach the postseason for the first time since 2009.