Report: Braves no longer in play for Bautista; Rays 'unlikely' to sign him

Jose Bautista's prospects of finding a job before Opening Day might have taken a big hit.

The Atlanta Braves, who were said to be one of several teams discussing a one-year deal with Bautista over the weekend, are reportedly no longer in play as a destination for the six-time All-Star, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.

Additionally, the Tampa Bay Rays - who were the one other team said to be negotiating with Bautista - are now "unlikely" to sign the two-time Hank Aaron Award winner, a source told Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.

The Braves' interest in Bautista likely stemmed from a desire to add more outfield depth behind their starting trio of Nick Markakis, Ender Inciarte, and Preston Tucker. Adding to the intrigue was his relationship with general manager Alex Anthopoulos, who ran the Toronto Blue Jays during most of Bautista's years starring for the Canadian team.

But any door that was open to his joining Atlanta likely closed on Monday when the team announced the signings of outfielder Peter Bourjos and utility man Ryan Flaherty to one-year major-league contracts. Both veterans will provide Atlanta with the bench depth it desired, with Bourjos in particular assuming that fourth outfielder's role.

The Rays are also familiar with Bautista - who lives in the Tampa area - from their many AL East battles against Toronto. He could have provided them with a versatile power bat with the potential to play multiple positions, including both corner infield spots.

The 37-year-old Bautista played in 157 games with the Blue Jays in 2017, but hit just .203/.308/.366 (76 OPS+) with 23 homers and a career-worst 170 strikeouts. It marked his worst offensive season since becoming a full-time player in 2006.