Bautista open to playing different positions to help Blue Jays win

Approximately one year ago, Jose Bautista appeared at the Toronto Blue Jays spring training complex donning a "Home is Toronto" shirt, telling reporters that he knew his worth and that he wouldn't return to the team on a home-team discount.

Oh, how things have changed for the 36-year-old.

After signing a one-year, $18-million deal to mark his highly anticipated return to the 6, Bautista enters 2017 with different expectations, saying he's open to doing whatever he can to help the team - which includes appearing at different positions.

"I'll do whatever it takes to win. I've proven that last year and throughout my career just trying to do what the manager thinks is best and playing whatever position needs to be played," he said, according to The Canadian Press.

"If things need to be shaken up I don't mind being the guy that gets sacrificed and moved around a little bit, so if that plays into what the team believes is our best opportunity to win on any given night, I'm going to continue to do that. I just like to win and if being a trooper and taking a hit for the guys is what I need to do from time to time I don't mind doing it."

The veteran is expected to start the season as the team's everyday right fielder, though that could change down the stretch. Bautista has minimal experience playing first base (27 games for his career), but could slot in at the position if Justin Smoak struggles. He could also spend some time as the team's designated hitter.