Edwin Encarnacion Contract: Latest News, Rumors on Negotiations with Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays opened up contract discussions with designated hitter/first baseman Edwin Encarnacion, who is a free agent at the end of the 2016 season, per Sportsnet's Shi Davidi, on March 2. With the 2016 season underway, the two sides have yet to agree on a new deal. 

Continue for updates.

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Blue Jays Reportedly Made Offer to Encarnacion 

Tuesday, April 26

Jon Heyman of MLB Network reported the Blue Jays offered Encarnacion a two-year deal, and while he hasn't made a counter offer yet, Encarnacion is seeking $4 million to $5 million per year.

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Encarnacion Comments on Negotiations

Monday, April 4

Encarnacion's Opening Day deadline has arrived, and he confirmed to reporters that talks of an extension have been put on hold: “Like I said, I don’t want to talk any more about that. I want to concentrate on this season and concentrate on helping my team win games.”

Jeff Todd of MLB Trade Rumors passed along comments Encarnacion made to Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deportes on March 15 regarding his talks with the Blue Jays:

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Speaking with Rojas in his native Spanish (translation errors mine), Encarnacion said that there was "nothing new" to report from the latest talks between his representative and the club. He explained that the sides have not even reached the point of talking money, as discussions have stalled over the number of years that would be covered in a new contract.

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Davidi reported on March 2 that Encarnacion would cease negotiations once the regular season starts if the two parties are unable to come to an agreement.

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Encarnacion A Major Part of Blue Jays Offense

Over the last four years, Encarnacion has been one of the Blue Jays' most consistent power hitters. Between 2012 and 2015, he averaged a little more than 37 home runs and 105 RBI per season.

The veteran corner infielder played a large role in last year's trip to the American League Championship Series. According to FanGraphs, his 4.5 WAR was tied for second on the team among offensive players. He also batted .275 and slugged .400 with one home run and five RBI in Toronto's 11 playoff games.

Last month, Encarnacion discussed how he wants to stay in Toronto beyond this year:

Re-signing Encarnacion won't be a straightforward process for the Blue Jays, though. They also may want to re-sign outfielder Jose Bautista and relief pitcher Brett Cecil, both of whom also have only one year remaining on their current deals. The cost of bringing all three players back will be steep.

In addition, if the records of team president Mark Shapiro and to a lesser extent general manager Ross Atkins are any indicator, the team may be reticent to commit big money to a slugger who will turn 34 in 2017.

Shapiro and Atkins came from the Cleveland Indians, who traded their top stars more often than they re-signed them.

The Blue Jays have generally had a higher payroll than the Indians in recent years, so money won't be as much of a concern for Shapiro and Atkins as it was in Cleveland. Still, it may be telling that Toronto's trades for David Price and Troy Tulowitzki, which depleted the team's farm system, were reportedly a point of contention between Shapiro and former GM Alex Anthopoulos, per TSN's Rick Westhead.

If Toronto is planning to tighten the budget in the future, letting Encarnacion walk in free agency will likely be part of the strategy.