Toronto signed Bautista to a one-year deal worth $18 million on Wednesday. The contract includes a $17 million mutual option for 2018 and a $20 million vesting option for '19.

Bautista, who ranks near the top of many of Toronto's all-time offensive records, was arguably the best free agent remaining on the open market. The six-time All-Star is coming off a down year by his standards, although he finished with 22 home runs and a .366 on-base percentage.

The decision to sign Bautista marks a significant shift in direction from the Blue Jays' front office. Bautista was not Plan A, B, C or probably even D, but with Spring Training quickly approaching, two sides that seemed destined for a separation were almost forced to reunite.....

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Good, I'm glad the Indians didn't sign him I think his talent might be in decline but we'll see on that.

Q: What is an option for $17M or $20M?

A: Hitting the Lottery big time for an old player especially when Toronto has lost several key players already.

@the-gipper said:

Can Spring just get here please.

And the 2017 World Baseball Classic will start at 5:00 AM on Monday, March 6 and will end on Wednesday, March 22 All times are in Eastern Time.....screws up the MLB Spring Training Schedule, Regular Season Start and some key MLB players!

Can we also just skip the 2017 WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC TEAMS

AUS

CAN

CHN

TPE

COL

CUB

DOM

ISR

ITA

JPN

KOR

MEX

NED

PUR

USA

VEN