TORONTO - Major league home run leader Jose Bautista's arbitration hearing slated for Monday has been shelved to enable more contract talks with the Toronto Blue Jays.
"Our arbitration hearing with Jose Bautista has been postponed to allow further negotiation between the player and the club," Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos said in a brief statement.
"As it is the Blue Jays policy not to discuss contract negotiations, I will not be making any further comments regarding Jose Bautista until an agreement is reached or the conclusion of the arbitration process."
The Blue Jays slugger had reportedly asked for a one-year deal worth US$10.5 million in arbitration. The team responded with a figure of $7.6 million.
Bautista, 30, is eligible to become a free agent after next season.
He led the major leagues with 54 home runs last season and hit .260 with 124 RBIs.
