Half a year ago, it seemed like a long shot that Jose Bautista would be back with the Blue Jays in 2017. Most of us remember when his camp was rumoured to be seeking a deal in the area of five-years totaling $150 million, and the veteran comes into Jays spring training amidst a cloud of uncertainty.
The 2016 season did not go as he had planned. He battled multiple injuries and saw his offensive numbers decline at a rate that many would find typical for a 35-year old (now 36) athlete.
But Jose Bautista is far from typical.