Bautista not focused on comeback as pitcher: 'I'm a hitter'

Former major-league slugger Jose Bautista has cleared the air about a potential return to MLB as a pitcher after videos surfaced in early April of him throwing a bullpen session.

"Just to kind of clear the record, I've never stated that it was my plan or desire to make it to the big leagues as a big-league pitcher," Bautista told MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM this week. "I will get that out there and get it out of the way. That being said, I was working out with (Marcus) Stroman all offseason. He's local to Tampa. He's my really good friend, he needed a throwing partner, and I just got on his program to help him out and have fun with it.

"He since has posted a few pictures and videos of me going through the routine with him, which has led to a lot of speculation - needless to say. I'm a hitter. … I would entertain an opportunity to get back to the big leagues as a hitter."

However, the 39-year-old acknowledged he's keeping all his options open.

"If somebody calls me and says, 'Hey, you want to be a two-way guy?' I'd be a fool to say no," Bautista said. "That's kind of the way I look at it."

The Toronto Blue Jays legend has played in 1,653 career games - 1,202 of those coming in the outfield - and led MLB in home runs during 2010 and 2011. He last appeared in the majors in 2018 and has never pitched in the big leagues.