Jose Bautista denies asking Blue Jays for $150 million contract
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista has denied the report that he asked the team for a five-year, $150 million contract extension, reports Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.
Bautista told reporters on Monday that he had informed the Blue Jays of his desired terms for a contract extension ahead of his impending free agency and would not be willing to negotiate, though he did not disclose the specific terms he requested.
The outfielder is entering the final year of the six-year, $78 million contract he signed with Toronto before the 2011 season. On Monday he told reporters he feels the terms of that deal could already be considered a “hometown discount,” and does not want to negotiate with the Jays on his next contract.
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“I don't believe in the whole budget and payroll. I don’t believe in any of that stuff,” Bautista said. "I’m not going to sit here and try to bargain. I don’t think this should be a negotiation. I think I’ve proven myself.”
Bautista batted .250 with 40 home runs and 114 RBIs last season, his eighth with the Blue Jays.
- Erin Flynn
