MLB: Blue Jays decline mutual option on Jose Bautista

The Toronto Blue Jays will decline their mutual option on outfielder Jose Bautista, making the six-time All-Star a free agent.

General manager Ross Atkins announced the decision Tuesday in a season-ending news conference. Atkins said Bautista was made aware of the team’s plans “a couple of weeks ago.”

“Based on the construction of our roster, we feel it’s unlikely that he’s a part of the solution moving forward,” Atkins said.

Bautista signed a one-year, $18 million contract to return to the Blue Jays in 2017. That deal included a $17 million option for 2018, with a $500,000 buyout, and a $20 million option for 2019.

Bautista hit .203 with 23 homers and 65 RBIs, setting a Blue Jays’ single-season record with a career-worst 170 strikeouts.

Bautista led the majors in home runs in 2010 and 2011, and delivered the famous “bat-flip” blast that helped beat Texas in the 2015 AL Division Series.

Etc.

Kansas City’s Danny Duffy had loose debris removed from his left elbow. Duffy was 9-10 with a 3.81 ERA. ... St. Louis pitching coach Derek Lilliquist and bullpen coach Blaise Ilsley will not have their contracts renewed. ... Seattle will not bring back bench coach Tim Bogar and first base coach Casey Candaele. The team said that Manny Acta will replace Bogar as bench coach and Scott Brosius will take over as third base coach. Chris Prieto will become first base coach. ... The New York Mets said that longtime pitching coach Dan Warthen will not return in that role next season but has been offered another job in the organization.