Braves sign slugger Jose Bautista to minor league deal
Jose Bautista has found a home after sitting out spring training.
Bautista, 37, agreed to a one-year, minor-league deal with the Braves and has reported to Atlanta’s extended spring training complex in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., the club announced on Wednesday.
The Braves say he will play third base -- a position he hasn't played full time since 2008 with the Pittsburgh Pirates -- and not the outfield, where he has played most since 2009.
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Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos was in Toronto when Bautista became a perennial slugger and All-Star, hitting 288 home runs in 10 seasons. And with No. 1 prospect Ronald Acuna expected to fill out the outfield sometime later this season, Anthopoulos will give the veteran a shot at the hot corner.
Bautista led the American League in home runs in 2010 and 2011. He's one of three players, along with Nelson Cruz and Giancarlo Stanton, to slug at least 20 homers in eighth consecutive seasons since 2010.
Last season, he hit a career-low .203 with 23 home runs in 157 games before becoming a free agent.
If Bautista reaches the majors, he would be paid $1 million, according to Fan Rag Sports.