According to Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deportes, the Blue Jays are nearing a five-year, $65 million extension with third baseman Jose Bautista.
Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com adds that the deal will carry a $13 million club option for a sixth season. It's a major commitment for a player who had a .729 career OPS before last year. The Blue Jays must truly believe that Bautista's numbers from 2010 -- a league-leading 54 homers and a .995 OPS -- can be replicated over the next several seasons. The new extension will buy out his final year of arbitration eligibility and four years of free agency. Bautista, 30, is expected to start most games at the hot corner this season in Toronto.