Report: Bautista discussing 1-year deal with Rays, Braves

Jose Bautista could be nearing a decision on his next team.

The free-agent slugger has been in talks with several teams, including the Atlanta Braves and Tampa Bay Rays, regarding a one-year contract, sources told Marly Rivera of ESPN.

Both potential landing spots make sense for Bautista. The six-time All-Star lives in the Tampa area and is familiar with the American League East. With Evan Longoria, Corey Dickerson, and Logan Morrison moving on, Bautista could slot in for the Rays in the outfield, first base, and at DH, receiving regular at-bats that could potentially help rebuild his value.

Signing in Atlanta would reunite Bautista with his former general manager in Toronto, Alex Anthopoulos. Though he wouldn't be able to DH, the Braves are in need of a right-handed-hitting corner outfielder.

The 37-year-old is coming off one of the worst seasons of his career, and despite an earlier report saying he was considering retirement, Bautista has stated his desire to continue his career. He hit .203/.308/.366 with 23 home runs, 27 doubles, and 170 strikeouts in 2017, but has hit at least 20 home runs in each of the last eight seasons.