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Report: Blue Jays back in talks with Bautista

USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

Jose Bautista might not be on his way out of Toronto after all.

With the market for the free-agent slugger not as robust as initially anticipated, Bautista's representatives reportedly met with the Blue Jays on Tuesday and are back in talks, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.

Steve Phillips of TSN also reported that Bautista's agent Jay Alou was spotted leaving a meeting with the Blue Jays' front office earlier in the afternoon.

The Blue Jays are in need of outfield help and are said to be canvassing a number of options. They reportedly issued a four-year, $60-million deal to free-agent outfielder Dexter Fowler earlier this week, though it's believed that it's been matched by the St. Louis Cardinals, with Fowler seeking more money annually.

Once believed to be seeking a five-year deal earlier in the season, Bautista's market has struggled to develop following an injury-plagued campaign. He is tied to draft-pick compensation after rejecting a qualifying offer, and is reportedly currently seeking a two-year deal.

The Blue Jays currently have Steve Pearce, Ezequiel Carrera, and Melvin Upton Jr. as corner outfielders on their roster.

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