When it comes to attempting to re-sign Jose Bautista, the Toronto Blue Jays' front office reportedly is most interested in offering an increased annual value for a shorter term.
The Blue Jays might only be open to a Yoenis Cespedes-type deal for Bautista, a major-league source told Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Cespedes agreed to a three-year, $75-million contract with a one-year opt-out this winter.
Bautista, however, asked the Blue Jays for more than five years and in excess of $150 million, according to Rosenthal, but notes the AAV is well below $30 million.
The 35-year-old has been adamant that he wants to play well into his forties and is seeking a long-term deal. Bautista has not imposed a deadline to agree to an extension, but has sent the front office his contract demands. He told reporters last month that there is no room for negotiating his requested terms, though it was reported this week that Bautista's preference is to remain in Toronto and is willing to negotiate.
An All-Star in each of the last six seasons, Bautista hit .268/.390/.530 with 75 home runs, 56 doubles, and 217 RBIs over 308 games the past two years.
