Jose Bautista used his platform this week to share a heartfelt message about a very different kind of fight.

The post came the same week Toronto was officially eliminated from playoff contention, closing a difficult chapter one year after coming within 90 feet of a World Series title.

"One year after coming within 90 feet of winning the World Series, the Toronto Blue Jays' season is over. They are officially eliminated from postseason play," Bob Nightengale of USA Today wrote.

Amid that news, Bautista turned attention to something far bigger than baseball.

"I wanted to share Zander Marshall's story and the incredible work happening to help children like him," Bautista wrote on Instagram. "Zander is living with SURF1 Leigh syndrome, a rare and devastating mitochondrial disease."

Why this campaign carries real hope for families

He detailed the medical progress behind the cause directly.

"A groundbreaking gene therapy is now moving into one of the final stages before human clinical trials, with the hope of beginning a trial in 2027. There's a lot of hope behind this work, and the potential to change the future for children and families affected by this disease."

Bautista closed by pointing followers toward the campaign itself.

"I'm honoured to help shine a light on Zander and the One Shot to Live campaign. If you'd like to learn more about his story or support the campaign, you can find more information and donate at the link in my bio."

The post drew nearly 3,000 likes and a wave of supportive comments from fans.

"Always a class act Jose," one fan wrote. "Great humanitarian," added another.

The Cure Mito Foundation itself responded directly. "Thank you for the love, Zander is such a special member of our community and deserves the world."

For a fan base processing another disappointing end to a Blue Jays season, Bautista's message offered a reminder of the kind of impact a former player can still have well beyond the field.