Bautista lands in Braves’ minor-league system

ATLANTA Even with their Ryan Flaherty leading the NL in hitting, the Atlanta Braves couldn’t resist the low-risk opportunity to add Jose Bautista.

The six-time all-star agreed to a minor league contract with the Braves on Wednesday after impressing team officials at a workout, and he will try to earn playing time at third base.

Bautista, 37, would receive a US$1 million, one-year deal if added to the 40-man major league roster. He will report to the Braves extended spring training complex in Kissimmee, Fla., to work himself into game condition while playing third base.

“He’s a good player who if and when he gets here can lengthen our lineup,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said of the former Toronto Blue Jays favourite. “He’s somebody the opposition has got to be aware of because he’s that kind of player.”

Bautista played nine full seasons for the Blue Jays and is one of the most popular players in franchise history. He had 288 home runs and 766 runs batted in over 1,235 regular-season appearances with Toronto while being named an American League all-star six times and a silver slugger twice.

He added six homers and 16 RBIs in 20 playoff games as he helped the Blue Jays make back-toback American League Championship Series appearances in 2015 and 2016.

Bautista earned $18 million under a one-year deal with Toronto last season but put up subpar numbers for the second straight year, hitting .203 with 23 homers and 65 RBIs in 157 games.