Bautista thanks Toronto in heartfelt essay before donning Braves jersey

Jose Bautista is set to enter the next chapter of his major-league career Friday when he makes his Atlanta Braves debut, but before putting on a new uniform, he made sure to thank the organization that made him a six-time All-Star.

"I want to say thank you, to the Blue Jays organization, for wanting me in the first place," Bautista penned in an article for The Players' Tribune. "When you traded for me, back in 2008, I was a part-time player - closer to 30 than 20 - who had already bounced around between four teams in this league. But you gave me a chance, a real chance, to come in and prove myself. And that's one of the things that I will always appreciate about Toronto as a franchise."

Bautista was acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates for a player to be named later (Robinzon Diaz). He'd go on to become one of the most decorated sluggers in franchise history, ranking first in WAR, second in runs and home runs, and third in RBIs and OPS.

Not only did Bautista thank the Blue Jays, but also the city of Toronto for welcoming him with open arms and celebrating his success for a decade.

"With me and Toronto, it's always felt like there is this … almost deeper understanding there," he wrote. "We just get each other - it's like we exist on this shared wavelength together."

Bautista went unsigned until mid-April before agreeing to a deal with the Braves to play third base. He'll make his debut for Atlanta at home Friday against the San Francisco Giants.