The Atlanta Braves reported today that they signed Jose Bautista to a minor league contract. The Braves said Bautista has reported to the team’s extended spring training, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., and will play third base.
The Atlanta #Braves today agreed to terms with free agent infielder José Bautista on a one-year minor-league contract for the 2018 season, and he has reported to Atlanta’s extended spring training complex in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. He will play third base.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 18, 2018
Bautista, 37, had been unsigned after spending the last 10 years with Toronto. Primarily a right fielder over the last eight years, Bautista has appeared in just 12 games at third base since the start of the 2012 season.
He played more extensively at third earlier in his career, as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates and in his first four years with the Blue Jays.
Bautista batted just .203 with 23 home runs and 65 RBIs last season. He has 331 homers and 927 RBIs in parts of 14 seasons with Toronto, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Tampa Bay and Baltimore. Bautista was named an All-Star six times a two-time MLB home run leader and a three-time Silver Slugger award winner.
