In 2016 Bautista’s production dropped. At age 36 his average dropped to .234 with only 22 home runs and 69 RBIs. Despite his age and decreasing performance, the Blue Jays gave him a raise. They signed him to a one year $18.5 million contract.
This contract was not rewarded with performance. In 2017, Bautista batted .203 with 22 home runs and 65 RBIs. In 2017 the Blue Jays went from a team that lost in the American League Championship series to 76-86.
