Bautista and EE

[jaysblue]

With EE and Bautista both becoming free agents after 2016, what type of contract do you see them both getting on the free agent market? Since the Jays have just traded for Tulo, one of the long term benefits is that if both Bautista and EE are not retained, then at least the Jays still have a solid offensive core of Donaldson, Tulo and Martin, along with Travis.

 

As well, who do you think the Jays have a better shot of bringing back (EE or Bautista) and who would you prefer if you could only choose one? Do you think one could possibly get an extension this offseason?

[reedjohnsonfan]

I think you probably have to look at giving Bautista a contract. I'd like to see him retire as a Blue Jay and I'm sure others feel the same way. Both he and the Jays have done a lot for each other so it would be fitting. EE is great and all but he's more likely to be let go or even traded next winter, just a guess.

[Governator]

Hate to say it but the money it would cost to retain either player would probably be better spent elsewhere or saved after 2016, unless Bautista is willing to agree to a 1 year + option type of deal, which he won't. He'll be 36 after 2016 season and likely want some ridiculous 5 year deal to cash in.

[RealAccountant]

EE does not have a future in Toronto

[Atothe]

Bautista will be brought back for sure. Something like 2 years and 32-34 plus a option

[jaysblue]

I think you probably have to look at giving Bautista a contract. I'd like to see him retire as a Blue Jay and I'm sure others feel the same way. Both he and the Jays have done a lot for each other so it would be fitting. EE is great and all but he's more likely to be let go or even traded next winter, just a guess.

 

Yeah just having this discussion with someone. I think Bautista makes more sense based on what he has meant to the organization since 2010 and since Bautista likely will age better and he can at least play RF whereas EE is limited to 1B and DH. As well, Bautista might not cost as much as EE in terms of years since Bautista will be 36 at the start of 2017 where EE will be 34.

[TwistedLogic]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/12/yankees-to-sign-carlos-beltran.html

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/11/tigers-close-to-re-signing-victor-martinez.html

[jaysblue]

Hate to say it but the money it would cost to retain either player would probably be better spent elsewhere or saved after 2016, unless Bautista is willing to agree to a 1 year + option type of deal, which he won't. He'll be 36 after 2016 season and likely want some ridiculous 5 year deal to cash in.

 

I think Bautista max gets a 3-4 year deal. It would be crazy to see him get 5 years somewhere though anything is possible.

[Governator]

Bautista will be brought back for sure. Something like 2 years and 32-34 plus a option

 

Yea I see them stringing him along toward the backside of his career in small contracts like Red Sox and Ortiz.

[baubau]

Trade EE and keep Bautista. EE right now is what you *hope* Bautista gradually regresses to be (and a worse) once he's moved from the OF to DH. Till then Bautista still provides more value due to his position. Even if they were both 1B/DH, I'd keep Bautista.

[jaysblue]

Bautista will be brought back for sure. Something like 2 years and 32-34 plus a option

 

Beltran's deal is comparable (3 years, $45 million). I obviously expect Bautista to get more and world be willing to pay more AAV to keep Bautista around for 3 more years.

[jaysblue]

Yea I see them stringing him along toward the backside of his career in small contracts like Red Sox and Ortiz.

 

Good comparison. I still think Bautista gets a 3-4 year deal after 2016, and then after that contract goes year-to-year like what Boston has done with Ortiz.

[Stangstag]

I'm thinking something like 2/40 or 3/55 for Jose

[Hipfan]

I'd say 3 and 60 for Bautista. His bat is so good, and he doesn't need to hit for a high average to still be elite due to his walk rate. I'd let EE walk and use the resources for pitching. As others have stated, a core of Bautista, Tulo (can't believe I'm writing that!), Martin, Donaldson is pretty good, even as they age.

[Camps]

@SNETCampbell 2h2 hours ago

It's been made clear to me that Jose Bautista sincerely hopes to stay beyond 2016. Loves city, loves team, multiple business interests.

 

 

-----

 

He should age well, given his approach at the plate. Even if the power fades, I could see him being a decent #2 hitter, getting on base for Donaldson/Tulo in the 3/4 spots down the road.

[jayswin11]

I think the moves made this year, Donaldson, Martin, and now Tulo are with the though that Jose and EE are gone after next season.

Basically added a new core this year.

[jaysblue]

Agreed, I'd rather have Bautista in his late 30's over EE.

[BTS]

Bautista 4/80 or 5/100. Not sure on Edwin. If he stays in the 110-120 wRC+ range probably like 2/30.

 

V-Mart's deal sets the market for Bautista.

[BigCecil]

Bautista 4/80 or 5/100. Not sure on Edwin. If he stays in the 110-120 wRC+ range probably like 2/30.

 

V-Mart's deal sets the market for Bautista.

 

I like Jose a lot but those numbers with his age make me cringe. But when you look at Beltran deal and Ortiz on 1 year 16mm deals its not out of the realm of possibility.

[jaysblue]

Bautista 4/80 or 5/100. Not sure on Edwin. If he stays in the 110-120 wRC+ range probably like 2/30.

 

V-Mart's deal sets the market for Bautista.

 

V-Mart got 4/68, so considering Bautista can at least play a position and will age better, I'd say 4/75 or 4/80 is fair. I don't know about 5 years though, since that would take him past 40.

[Daniel Labude]

Trade both for Pitching....only chance we have for future success