The Toronto Blue Jays are almost done with what will likely end up being a pivotal offseason for the franchise, and there's plenty of rumors to be had both from the trade and free agency markets as the new season approaches. Here's the latest news & rumors you need to know:
Bautista meets with Twins
Jose Bautista reportedly met with the Minnesota Twins earlier this week, who expressed interest in signing the slugger. Bautista is now expected to sign a one-year deal where ever he goes, and MLB Network thinks Minnesota might be the best place for him:
The @twins reportedly met with Jose Bautista. #MLBTonight looks at the possibility of Target Field as a landing spot for the slugger. pic.twitter.com/lhxjOdnZVg
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 11, 2017
The 36-year-old Bautista hit .234 with 22 homers and 69 RBIs in 116 games last season.
Blue Jays looking for backup catcher
While Toronto is still pursuing Bautista, their biggest need is still for a backup catcher and they are looking to sign one, reports Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith.
The Blue Jays still haven’t addressed their need for a backup catcher, but they continued showing interest in Bobby Wilson before the well-traveled catcher signed a minor-league deal with the Dodgers last week, according to an industry source.
The Blue Jays wanted to sign Wilson, but he moved on when the team wouldn’t provide assurances that they wouldn’t pursue any other catchers. The 33-year-old spent the 2016 season with the Tigers, Rangers and Rays, hitting .237/.270/.355 with seven home runs in 75 games.
Toronto has "remained in contact" with Michael Saunders
Another free agent the Blue Jays have remained in contact with and are still interested in is outfielder Michael Saunders, reports Jon Morosi of FOX Sports.
#BlueJays have remained in contact with free agent outfielder Michael Saunders, sources say. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 12, 2017
The Orioles are also pursuing Saunders, who hit .253 with 24 home runs and 57 RBIs last season.
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