Jose Bautista is set to hit free agency at age 36, but there will still be plenty of interest in the veteran slugger. One team that has apparently reached out already is the New York Mets.
Unclear on interest level, but one free agent right-handed-hitting outfielder the Mets have at least inquired about: Jose Bautista.
— James Wagner (@ByJamesWagner) November 8, 2016
Outfielder Yoenis Cespedes has opted out of the remaining two years and $47.5 million on his deal with the Mets, so the team is likely considering Bautista as a potential replacement if Cespedes moves on. The Mets have extended a qualifying offer to Cespedes and plan to try and re-sign him.
While we know Bautista has plenty of power, he hit just .234 in 116 games with the Toronto Blue Jays last season. His 22 home runs were his lowest mark since 2009, and that likely has a lot to do with the report we heard about Toronto’s stance on the slugger.
