Bautista on Blue Jays' chances of re-signing Cabrera: '50-50'

Jose Bautista thinks impending free agent Melky Cabrera will give the Toronto Blue Jays an opportunity to match any offer he receives from another club. 

What happens next is anyone's guess.

"He's going to see what he can get out there and I guess because of that situation, I think the chances are basically 50-50," Bautista said on Sportsnet 590 The Fan on Tuesday, according to Ben Nicholson-Smith.

Cabrera figures to be among the most coveted hitters available this winter after slashing .301/.351/.458 in the second year of a two-year deal with the Blue Jays. The 30-year-old switch-hitter created 25 more runs (FanGraphs' wRC+) than league average and was worth more wins above replacement than any full-time free-agent outfielder this season.

Though Cabrera's market value may suffer due to questions of durability, draft-pick compensation and below-average defense, he stands to command a multi-year deal far and above the two-year, $16-million team-friendly contract he signed with Toronto in 2012.

“I think the Blue Jays are going to have a shot at bringing him back," Bautista said, "so hopefully for our fan base and for my sake - making my job easier and having him on base a lot, because he does get on base a lot with his bat - hopefully the team does take that chance and re-sign him somehow."

The Blue Jays' payroll is expected to increase this season as a result of scheduled pay raises. And whether they find it within their budget to keep Cabrera will go a long way in determining their ability to contend. Toronto is expected to make Cabrera a qualfying offer of $15.3 million, guaranteeing the club a first-round draft pick in the event he signs with another team.

Nelson Cruz, Nick Markakis, Alex Rios and Cuban star Yasmany Tomas round out a thin free agent outfield market.