Braves sign INF Jose Bautista to minor league deal

Braves signed Bautista as a third baseman. He has played 6 positions since 2001 Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos was with the Blue Jays when they acquired Bautista from Pittsburgh Bautista hit the most homers in the majors in 2010 and 2011 Bautista is a six-time American League All-Star He famously flipped his bat in Game 5 of the 2015 ALDS

The Braves announced an agreement with infielder Jose Bautista on a one-year, minor-league contract Wednesday. Bautista has reported to the team’s extended spring training in Florida.

Bautista, who played under general manager Alex Anthopoulos in Toronto, has spent the past 10 seasons playing regularly as an outfielder.

The Braves announced he would play third base. Bautista manned third in eight games last season (38 innings), but hasn’t consistently played there since 2007, when he appeared in 126 games at the hot corner for the Pirates.

Former Toronto general manager Alex Anthopoulos, now the general manager of the Braves, and outfielder Jose Bautista celebrate Toronto's ALDS win over Texas in 2015. Bautista has agreed to terms on a minor-league contract with the Braves for the 2018 season. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

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