Blue Jays 2015 Year End Awards: Best Hitter

Runner Up: Jose Bautista

Jose Bautista came into 2015 looking to build on his first healthy season in four years. Results during the season were mixed. His batting average took a tumble, dropping over thirty points to .250. However, his slugging percentage actually rose fourteen points. He was driving balls for extra bases instead of settling for singles, and it resulted his first 40 home run campaign in four seasons. Coupled with 114 RBIs and 108 runs scored, he should be a lock for another top-10 appearance in the MVP voting.

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Joey Bats was certainly the best hitter in crunch situations with his most memorable hits of the season coming with the Blue Jays’ backs against the wall. The home run he hit off Sam Dyson to defeat the Rangers will live on in Blue Jays’ lore alongside “Touch ’em all, Joe!” In Game 6 against the Royals, he dragged Toronto into a tie situation, providing all the offense with two moon shot home runs into the left field bleachers.

After having his option picked up for 2016, he is in the same position as Edwin. Another chance to make a run at the postseason, and prove he is worth heavily re-investing in. His case is unique, given that he rose to prominence so late in his career. It might convince Shapiro that despite turning 35 this year, it is worthwhile to make sure Bautista retires in Toronto blue.

Next: 2015 Blue Jays Best Hitter: Let the Bringer Reign