Report: Rays interested in Bautista
Jose Bautista's tenure with the Toronto Blue Jays may be over, but remaining in the American League East appears to be an option.
The Tampa Bay Rays are interested in the slugger, according to a report from Jon Morosi of MLB Network, who also claimed Bautista had discussions with the Rays last offseason before returning to Toronto.
Earlier, Bautista's agent suggested his client would be willing to sign as a corner infielder as well as an outfielder or designated hitter. While the 37-year-old has spent the majority of his career in right field, he has also played first base and third base on rare occasion.
The Rays could lose Logan Morrison and Lucas Duda to free agency, and have a noticeable vacancy at first base. Corey Dickerson is either the starting left fielder or designated hitter, leaving another opening in one of those spots.
Bautista is coming off of his worst season since 2009 (.203/.308/.366) and became a free agent when the Blue Jays rejected a $17-million mutual option.
Over his 14-year career, the six-time All-Star owns a .250/.362/.480 slash line while hitting 331 home runs.