Jose Bautista has been a fixture in the Blue Jays’ outfield for over eight years now. He was acquired in 2008 from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for Robinzon Diaz, which will undoubtedly go down as one of the best trades the Blue Jays ever make.
Since 2010, Bautista leads all MLB hitters in home runs with 249, including a 2010 season with a career high 54, which he followed with 43 the following year, leading the American League both times. The free-agent-to-be told reporters in spring training that there would be “no hometown discount”, thus, putting the pressure on himself to perform to the highest standard.