The Toronto Blue Jays are under new management following the departure of general manager Alex Anthopoulos. New president and CEO Mark Shapiro and GM Ross Atkins have a lot of work to do to keep the MLB roster intact for the 2017 season, but despite many promising rumors, nothing has yet to get done.
One of those stories surrounds slugger Edwin Encarnacion, who was the subject of contract extension rumors earlier this month. Sources told ESPN's Jayson Stark that the Blue Jays were hoping to hold extension talks with Encarnacion once both sides arrived at spring training, but the first baseman/DH has set Opening Day as the deadline for an agreement on a new deal.
The team has not yet discussed anything with Encarnacion, according to his agent, and that could be a bit troubling regardless of their initial plans to handle the talks with the slugger.
"It's not like we're upset with anyone," Encarnacion's agent, Paul Kinzer, told FOX Sports' Jon Morosi. "There's plenty of time to work out a deal if they want to.
"Edwin loves it there. He's talked about how, if he has another couple good seasons, he might have his number on the wall. But they [Shapiro and Atkins] are new, so they're still getting to know everyone."
The 33-year-old is finishing up a six-year, $43 million deal that he signed before the 2011 season. He'll make $10 million in 2016 before hitting free agency and if he manages to put up another monster campaign, he could be in line for a big payday. During his seven-year stint with Toronto, Encarnacion is hitting .269/.355/.521 with 494 runs scored, 197 home runs and 552 RBI in 839 games. Last year he hit .277/.372/.557 with 94 runs scored, 39 home runs and 111 RBI in 146 games, which has put him in a good place for contract extension negotiations.
Over the past four seasons he's been one of the most prolific power hitters in the MLB.
However, the deal must be right for both sides. Yes, Encarnacion's bat has been extremely valuable for the Jays, but he logged only 139 games at first base over the past two seasons, which could mean he's going to be a one-sided player as he enters his latter years. Couple that with the expected decline in play that comes with age, and there are a number of factors to keep in mind regarding an extension.
"[Their offense] is not all Shapiro and Atkins are considering here, of course. Bautista (35) and Encarnacion (33) are getting on in years," writes Jeff Todd of MLBTradeRumors.com. "While the former is still capable of manning right field, it isn't hard to imagine a time in the not-so-distant future where both players are limited to first base and/or DH roles."
The Blue Jays expressed interest in extending both players, but with payroll restrictions and the importance of considering future rosters, it's largely unknown how these scenarios will unfold.
