Toronto Blue Jays Mount Rushmore

Jose Bautista (2008-present)

Jose Bautista was a part of five different franchises in 2004 before finding a home with the Pirates. However, during the early part of his career, he was a fringe player at best.

It took some time until Bautista became a star with the Toronto Blue Jays. He remained a below average player until the last month of the 2009 campaign, when he unveiled a revamped swing. Suddenly, his immense power potential cam through. Since then, Bautista has led the American League in homers twice, became a six time All Star and three time Silver Slugger, and finished in the top ten of the MVP vote four times.

Overall, Bautista has typically produced at an elite level with the Blue Jays. He has a .253/.372/.506 batting line with Toronto, hitting 288 homers and 219 doubles. Bautista has also been a weapon defensively, leading AL right fielders in double plays four times. At this point, it is rare to see a player test his right arm.

However, at this point, Bautista’s time in Toronto may be over. He signed a free agent contract this past offseason, a one year deal with two option years. As Bautista had a paltry .203/.308/.366 batting line despite his 23 homers, it is unlikely that the Blue Jays pick up that option. After all, it would cost only $500,000 to buy him out, instead of the $17 Million needed to retain his services.

If this is indeed the end for Jose Bautista with the Toronto Blue Jays, he proved to be quite the excellent pickup. Bautista has certainly earned his place amongst the Blue Jays greatest players.