TORONTO

The Blue Jays may be turning their backs on Jose Bautista, but the slugger isn’t turning his on Toronto’s sick children.

The free agent — who spent the last eight years starring with the Jays in the outfield — spread heartfelt holiday cheer to ailing little ones at the Hospital for Sick Children over the weekend, TMZ reports.

The website said 36-year-old Bautista was in the Big Smoke for Christmas parties. And while he was at it, he made time for the fans who need him most, spending about an hour with kids in the cancer ward before leaving, according to TMZ.

One person tweeted: “As a parent who once knew Sick Kids’ all too well, thanks to Jose Bautista & other athletes who have taken time to visit patients there.”

Bautista also got in some Christmas shopping while in town, posting a photo of himself at Yorkdale Mall to Instagram on Saturday. “Just a little #Christmas shopping.....#WhenInCanada #GoosedOut @canadagoose,” he wrote in the caption.