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Report: Blue Jays begin contract talks with Melky Cabrera

The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly willing to offer impending free-agent outfielder Melky Cabrera at least a three-year deal to remain with the club.

Preliminary talks between the two sides have begun, but industry insiders believe Cabrera is seeking a five-year deal, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports

Toronto is expected to extend a $15.3-million qualifying offer to Cabrera in order to ensure draft-pick compensation if he signs with another team. No player in the two-year history of qualifying offers has accepted one.

Cabrera is set to hit free agency fresh off one of the best seasons of his career. The 30-year-old switch-hitter had the second-highest average (.301) and fifth-most runs created (125 wRC+) among American League outfielders this year.

Blue Jays teammate Jose Bautista revealed in an interview Tuesday that he believes Cabrera will give Toronto an opportunity to match any offer he receives. 

"He's going to see what he can get out there and I guess because of that situation, I think the chances are basically 50-50," Bautista said on Sportsnet 590 The Fan.

Cabrera figures to be among the most coveted free-agent outfielders this winter, along with Nelson Cruz, Nick Markakis and Yasmany Tomas. 

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