Report: Jose Bautista Working Out for DR as a Pitcher, Throws 94 MPH Fastball

After a 15-year career in the majors as a hitter, Jose Bautista is now trying his hand as a pitcher.

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the 39-year-old "spent this winter working out as a pitcher in hopes of returning as a two-way player."

Passan added a scouting report of the former slugger:

Bautista is expected to play first base for the Dominican Republic during qualifying for the 2020 Summer Olympics this month.

The six-time All-Star was best known for his time with the Toronto Blue Jays, where he hit 288 of his 344 career home runs. He initially ended his career touring the NL East, appearing for the Atlanta Braves, New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies during the 2018 season.

In 1,798 games in the majors and 433 games in the minors, however, he never threw a single pitch.

Bautista did at least often showcase his arm playing the majority of his career in right field, totaling 103 outfield assists.

His athleticism could also lead to a successful pitching career, as Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet noted:

Considering players like Kenley Jansen and Sean Doolittle began their minor league careers as hitters before blossoming into successful pitchers in the majors, it's difficult to completely rule out a second run for Bautista in the majors.