Blue Jays open to Cespedes-type deal for Bautista

[Angrioter]

When it comes to attempting to re-sign Jose Bautista, the Toronto Blue Jays' front office reportedly is most interested in offering an increased annual value for a shorter term.

 

The Blue Jays might only be open to a Yoenis Cespedes-type deal for Bautista, a major-league source told Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Cespedes agreed to a three-year, $75-million contract with a one-year opt-out this winter.

 

Bautista, however, asked the Blue Jays for more than five years and in excess of $150 million, according to Rosenthal, but notes the AAV is well below $30 million.

 

The 35-year-old has been adamant that he wants to play well into his forties and is seeking a long-term deal. Bautista has not imposed a deadline to agree to an extension, but has sent the front office his contract demands. He told reporters last month that there is no room for negotiating his requested terms, though it was reported this week that Bautista's preference is to remain in Toronto and is willing to negotiate.

 

An All-Star in each of the last six seasons, Bautista hit .268/.390/.530 with 75 home runs, 56 doubles, and 217 RBIs over 308 games the past two years.

 

http://www.thescore.com/mlb/news/982073

[Angrioter]

Jose 3Yrs/100M is madness

[Jonn]

I would be fine with paying him 30 million a year if its for 3 years. We can all live with that. Its when you start taking about 5 years is where you say absolutely not.

[burlingtonbandit]

I would be fine with paying him 30 million a year if its for 3 years. We can all live with that. Its when you start taking about 5 years is where you say absolutely not.

 

I'd rather do 5 years/110 million then 3 years/90 million. 30 Million/year kills the financial flexibility for a team who has a tight budget, not to mention you can spread out the money with inflation so it isn't as bad.

[dineke]

I would be fine with paying him 30 million a year if its for 3 years. We can all live with that. Its when you start taking about 5 years is where you say absolutely not.

 

that still seems terrible

[BTS]

This team can't afford a $30M Bautista unless payroll is going up significantly.

[Jimcanuck]

where's he going to play? $30M/yr for a s***** RF, s***** 1B, or DH?

[xposbrad]

I would be fine with paying him 30 million a year if its for 3 years. We can all live with that. Its when you start taking about 5 years is where you say absolutely not.

 

That's still insane. Even the Yankees won't be making that mistake again. Ortiz makes about 15-16m. There isn't exactly a huge market for JB at his price tag. There's Boston and Toronto and almost 0 chance Boston would go that high. JB in 1-2 years is most likely a 2.5-3ish war player at DH. There are going to be much better free agent options/value, why would you have that money tied down to a DH? I would do 3/75 max, and even that is being quite generous to him for his age. He's only going to decline, so forget about the past with him.

[xposbrad]

where's he going to play? $30M/yr for a s***** RF, s***** 1B, or DH?

 

I think some posters here are forgetting what age he is and what happens to 36+ year olds in the majors. But of course, it's not our money. This team will suck real bad if they tie up that much money into JB and keep the same payroll, that's for sure.

[RealAccountant]

Why don't they just do 5/150 but leave a team option at 3/80. So the risk is mitigated at 80 Mil. Since Bautista believes in himself so much and the total contract value matters so much to him I would think a deal like that much sense

[burlingtonbandit]

Why don't they just do 5/150 but leave a team option at 3/80. So the risk is mitigated at 80 Mil. Since Bautista believes in himself so much and the total contract value matters so much to him I would think a deal like that much sense

 

If it was that easy I'm sure the Jays would have done that already. Bautista isn't stupid so he isn't going to take less than what he can get.

[RealAccountant]

If it was that easy I'm sure the Jays would have done that already. Bautista isn't stupid so he isn't going to take less than what he can get.

 

Except its his agents job to canvass the market and see what Bautista would be worth in an open market. They ought to be looking at Cespecades contracts and Bautista is older.

[xposbrad]

Why don't they just do 5/150 but leave a team option at 3/80. So the risk is mitigated at 80 Mil. Since Bautista believes in himself so much and the total contract value matters so much to him I would think a deal like that much sense

 

Don't confuse believing in himself with selling himself. I highly doubt he thinks he will be worth 30m in a couple of years. Zobrist just signed for less than 15m/yr. There are always free agents that can replace what his production will be in 1-2 years for most likely half the cost. The question is, what do the blue jays have to gain by taking on that risk and overpaying him for what will inevitably be decreased production?

[Inklink]

This team can't afford a $30M Bautista unless payroll is going up significantly.

 

I wonder if AA left one of these behind?

 

http://www.prospecthillco.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/collection_basket_rectangular_handle-01.gif

[gbill2004]

3 years at $75 million is more than fair. Maybe add a 4th year at $25 million if he meets certain performance thresholds in year 3. Keep in mind that any deal like this for Bautista likely means Edwin is gone.

[gbill2004]

If it was that easy I'm sure the Jays would have done that already. Bautista isn't stupid so he isn't going to take less than what he can get.

 

He might, because of the marketing opportunities available to him in Toronto ad the opportunity to make a lot of money there, he might not make in another market.

[burlingtonbandit]

He might, because of the marketing opportunities available to him in Toronto ad the opportunity to make a lot of money there, he might not make in another market.

 

Toronto is definitely a great opportunity since you can market yourself to all of Canada but New York, LA and Boston would be higher.

[Angrioter]

This team can't afford a $30M Bautista unless payroll is going up significantly.

 

Bautista 30M + 185M payroll: Yes

Bautista 30M + 130M Payroll: No

[Spanky__99]

Just sign EE.

[burlingtonbandit]

Just sign EE.

 

No matter what happens with JB I don't want to sign EE before the season ends. People talk about JB's age but EE looks like he will decline at a much higher rate.

[Spanky__99]

No matter what happens with JB I don't want to sign EE before the season ends. People talk about JB's age but EE looks like he will decline at a much higher rate.

 

K........

[BigCecil]

No matter what happens with JB I don't want to sign EE before the season ends. People talk about JB's age but EE looks like he will decline at a much higher rate.

 

I don't see the basis for this.

[dineke]

I don't see the basis for this.

 

bautista does yoga and drinks booster juice

[burlingtonbandit]

I don't see the basis for this.

 

While the power has been there his contact rate has declined 3 straight years. A career high 9.3 Swinging Strike% last year and he always seems to have these nagging injuries while barely playing the field.

[Angrioter]

No matter what happens with JB I don't want to sign EE before the season ends. People talk about JB's age but EE looks like he will decline at a much higher rate.

Dominicans thinks different. Here, the dark skin guy latst more.

[glory]

I said before it wouldn't shock me if Edwin tests the market, sees that he's not getting the ridiculous numbers others are, and comes back to the Jays at a reasonable price. He seems sincere when he says he wants to come back, and I think if the Jays offer is relatively close to the highest bidder, he'll come back. Boston may need the DH spot for one of their existing vets, and if the NL doesn't have a DH by next season, then Edwin's options won't be as big for a player of his calibre. Wait until next off-season to see what happens with EE.

 

For Bautista, I wouldn't mind a shorter term deal that is Cespedes-like, but it would have to be on a higher payroll. Even $30m/AAV on a $150m payroll is pushing it considering DOnaldson, Tulo, Martin, Happ, and Estrada will be combining for a shade under $85m next season. The payroll would have to be way higher, around $175-180m.

[Spanky__99]

Bautista 30M + 185M payroll: Yes

Bautista 30M + 130M Payroll: No

 

Pretty much Ang.

[gbill2004]

Toronto is definitely a great opportunity since you can market yourself to all of Canada but New York, LA and Boston would be higher.

Not necessarily since he doesn't have the same appeal in those markets as he does in Toronto.

[burlingtonbandit]

Not necessarily since he doesn't have the same appeal in those markets as he does in Toronto.

 

Jose Bautista is one of the most recognizable stars in MLB. Thats like saying Kevin Durant doesn't have the same appeal in Toronto as OKC since he played there.

[dineke]

baseball players don't make much in endorsements. Not like Bautista would make a ton more money in New York or Boston off the field.