"Bautista's deal felt like a gamble at the time. He was turning 30 when the deal was signed and many could be forgiven for their skepticism of a guy who seemingly came out of nowhere to have one monster year. MLB history is littered with those types of players, and giving Bautista this kind of money for a franchise that wasn't known to be a high spender at the time, seemed risky."
"The deal was set up to pay Bautista $8 million in 2011 and $14 million for every year afterwards, including the option year, a deal that seems like a relative steal knowing what we know now, and considering what players like Kyle Tucker and Bo Bichette just got on the open market. While both are great players, neither Bo nor Tucker have reached the heights Bautista reached in that 2010 season."
Spring Training 2011 felt different for the Toronto Blue Jays after a season that finished 85-77 and generated renewed optimism. José Bautista erupted with 54 home runs, an All-Star selection, and a franchise single-season record. A day before arbitration, the team agreed to a $64 million extension through 2015 with a 2016 option. The contract paid $8 million in 2011 and $14 million annually thereafter. Bautista followed with an even stronger 2011 season, posting an 8.0 bWAR, leading multiple offensive categories, making another All-Star team, and finishing third in MVP voting.
Read at Jays Journal
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