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The Indians made a higher offer to Jose Bautista than the Braves, major-league sources tell SB Nation. Bautista signed a minor-league deal with Atlanta that will guarantee $1 million and includes no incentives earlier in the week.
The deciding factor in Bautista’s decision to sign with Atlanta was his relationship with general manager Alex Anthopoulos. The pair spent time together in Toronto, where Anthopolous was general manager until after the 2015 season.
Bautista will play third base for the Braves, starting out in extended spring training and likely working his way to Triple-A before the club has to make a decision on whether to promote him. Atlanta and Cleveland were two of three clubs in the mix for his services, according to sources.