FILE – This is a 2017 file photo showing Jose Bautista of the Toronto Blue Jays. Six-time All-Star Jose Bautista and the Atlanta Braves have agreed to a minor league contract. Under the deal announced Wednesday, April 18, 2018, Bautista would receive a $1 million, one-year deal if added to the 40-man major league roster. The 37-year-old Bautista earned $18 million under a one-year deal with Toronto last season and became a free agent. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)ATLANTA – Even with one of their own infielders leading the National League 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 $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,” Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said. “He’s somebody the opposition has got to be aware of because he’s that kind of player.”
Atlanta’s Ryan Flaherty took an NL-leading .354 batting average into Wednesday night’s home game against the Philadelphia Phillies, though his career average is .221.