Jose Bautista is apparently returning to the Toronto Blue Jays. Michael Saunders is signing with the Philadelphia Phillies, so the Orioles' palatable free-agent outfield choices are dwindling.
There really wasn't any chance Bautista would sign with the Orioles. Executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette's stand-up act at MLB's Winter Meetings in December, dismissing Bautista as "a villain" to Orioles fans, was entertaining but unnecessary.
While Bautista could have helped the Orioles, surrendering a first-round draft choice for a 36-year-old coming off an injury-ravaged 2016 wouldn't be smart.
