Jose

Bautista

Bautista blossomed into a six-time All-Star selection and one of the most fearsome sluggers in baseball shortly after arriving in Toronto back in 2008. He wound up spending a decade with the Blue Jays through the 2017 season, becoming one of the most iconic figures in franchise history. He retires with several signature moments, including a legendary bat flip during the 2015 postseason and a memorable on-field fist fight with Rougned Odor back in 2016. He finishes a remarkable career with 344 home runs over 15 seasons in the majors dating back to 2004.

Bautista hammered a breaking ball into shallow left field with two outs in the ninth inning, lifting the Dominican Republic to a dramatic walk-off victory. With the loss, Israel has been eliminated from the Olympic tournament. The Dominican Republic squad will face off against the United States on Wednesday evening with a trip to the Olympic semifinals on the line. Every baseball game at the Tokyo Olympics can be streamed LIVE on NBCOlympics.com and on the NBC Sports App.

Bautista worked out as a pitcher over the winter, but that was mostly as a throwing partner for friend Marcus Stroman. “I’ve never stated that it was my plan or desire to make it to the big leagues as a big league pitcher,” Bautista said. “I’m a hitter. … I would entertain an opportunity to get back to the big leagues as a hitter. … If somebody calls me and says, ’Hey, you want to be a two-way guy?’ I’d be a fool to say no. That’s kind of the way I look at it.” The 39-year-old did not play baseball at any professional level in 2019, but he could probably get a shot somewhere in 2020 if rosters are expanded and a universal DH is implemented to account for a creatively-shortened schedule.

Bautista, who spent last season in the majors after being selected in the Rule 5 draft, is expected to return to the minors until September.

Naturally a third baseman, Pittsburgh will likely use him as a reserve in center or right field for the rest of this year.

If anything, it’s an interesting idea to keep his career alive. Bautista, 39, didn’t play at all in 2019 and batted .203/.348/.378 with 13 homers over 399 plate appearances during his last stint in the majors in 2018 between the Braves, Mets, and Phillies. It’s unclear if any teams have interest in him as a two-way player, but he was unable to snag a spring training invite. Passan notes that Bautista will play first base in the upcoming Olympic qualifiers for the Dominican Republic, so he’ll at least get a chance to showcase himself there.

While he hasn’t formally announced a comeback attempt yet, he also hasn’t ruled one out. The last we saw of Bautista at the big league level, he slashed .203/.348/.378 with 13 homers, 48 RBI and four swipes over 122 games between the Braves, Mets and Phillies as he toured the National League East in 2018. While he has continued training and feels in good physical condition, Bautista understands that the market has changed and there are fewer opportunities available for veterans these days. He would certainly have to settle for a minor league deal and prove himself in spring training if he indeed embarks on a comeback attempt.

Yep. That Jose Bautista. The steals are the third and fourth of the season for the 37-year-old. We’re as surprised as you are. Joey Bats finishes the year with a line of .203/.348/.378 with 13 homers and 48 RBI in 122 games with the Mets and Phillies. Assuming he wants to continue playing, he should find a spot one someone’s bench in 2019.

It was a rare start against a right-hander for Bautista. He was starting at third base with Jack Wilson getting the day off and Freddy Sanchez filling in at short. Bautista’s other hit was a double off Jason Schmidt. He’s making a case for more playing time versus righties.

With Nate McLouth struggling, perhaps Bautista will see additional time in center field. He’s starting strictly against left-handers right now, but he actually has an 871 OPS in 49 at-bats versus righties.