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MLB Free Agency: Best Options for Jose Bautista

By Matt Meffe

Oct 17, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (left) hits a single against Cleveland Indians catcher Roberto Perez (right) during the third inning in game three of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (left) hits a single against Cleveland Indians catcher Roberto Perez (right) during the third inning in game three of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 27, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; A general view of Fenway Park during the fifth inning of the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

Boston Red Sox

The 2016 season marked the end of the David Ortiz era. Now, the Red Sox are without a full-time DH for the first time since 2002.

Replacing Ortiz as the heart and soul of the team is not going to be easy, and there are several players on the team who are not ready to fill that role just yet. With the Red Sox looking for another veteran bat, Jose Bautista could be the key. Bautista has been a thorn in the Red Sox side over the past several years, and with the Red Sox in a great position to contend over the next several years, a move to get Bautista could certainly help the team.

Bautista can fill the DH role to replace Ortiz, fill in at first base to give Hanley Ramirez an occasional day off, and third base to give Sandoval days off if Sandoval doesn’t return to the team strong. Signing Bautista adds another hot bat to a team filled with incredibly hot bats. Bautista also has history with John Farrell, as he managed the Blue Jays in 2011 and 2012, at the height of Bautista’s best years.

Signing Bautista gives Farrell a variety of options, and a mentor for the younger outfield combination of Betts, Bradley, and Benintendi.

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