7 games to go, and Bautista just barely above the Mendoza Line @ .201.  

Easy to argue that they never shoulda re-signed him, he was too old and past it, but what choice did they have.  Problem is, that pattern, it's not a 1-off.  Ownership is going status quo, keeping the old guys around, they've already re-upped Estrada for 2018, a mere nipper @ 34, not turning 35 till the middle of next season.  Bonus.

Donaldson's 32 next year, Tulowitzki 33, Morales turns 35 in June, Martin 35, Pearce 35, Happ 35.  Even the younger players are not spring chickens, Pillar 29, Goins 30, Smoak 31.  Youngest guy Travis, 27 next yr, has spent more time on the DL over his 3 seasons with Your Js than playing.

What you saw this season with Bautista, and the fall off from years previous, pretty soon that's going to be a tsunami, a tidal wave of guys too old to play everyday, going on the DL on and off at different points over the season.