Report: Bautista unhappy with offers, could choose to retire
Jose Bautista could reportedly be willing to walk away from baseball if he doesn't receive a contract offer that he feels he deserves.
The 37-year-old remains unsigned three weeks before Opening Day and could choose to retire, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, who adds that Bautista has received a couple seven-figure offers - likely around $1 million - but isn't willing to sign a deal for less than what he believes he's worth.
Bautista was an All-Star in six straight years from 2010-15 but is coming off back-to-back down seasons. Despite appearing in 157 games in 2017 - the most he's logged since 2010 - he hit .203/.308/.366 with 23 home runs, 27 doubles, and a career-high 170 strikeouts.
It's been a difficult offseason for veteran players coming off down seasons, especially corner outfielders who aren't strong defensively. While Curtis Granderson did find a new home, Jayson Werth, Andre Ethier, Michael Morse, Melky Cabrera, and Matt Holliday all remain unsigned.
Bautista earned $18 million with Toronto last season and has made more than $100 million during his 14-year career. He ranks second on the Blue Jays' franchise home run list and third in RBIs.