With ambitions of signing a multi-year deal, free-agent outfielder Jose Bautista is expected to reject the one-year, $17.2-million qualifying offer issued by the Toronto Blue Jays, according to Jon Heyman of Today's Knuckleball.

Coming off a down season in which he was limited to 116 games due to injuries, there was some consideration that the 36-year-old Bautista may accept the qualifying offer. Instead, he'll be tied to draft-pick compensation should he sign anywhere but Toronto.

He has until Monday to make it official.

Despite his age, Bautista is one of the top free-agent hitters on the market and Heyman reports his representatives have met with several teams at this week's general managers meetings.

Bautista has averaged 36 home runs in the last seven seasons, and while his outfield defense has declined, Bautista's agent, Jay Alou, is marketing his client as a versatile piece capable of playing a number of positions.

"Jose will play anywhere, or hit anywhere, if it helps the team win," Alou said.

Only three players have ever accepted a qualifying offer, with all three doing so last winter.