The previously-reported extension talks between the Blue Jays and slugger Edwin Encarnacion do not appear to have gained much traction, according to a report from Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deportes (Spanish-language link). Encarnacion expressed a generally pessimistic outlook on the possibility of a deal.
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.
The 33-year-old is essentially limited to DH and first base duties at this stage of his career. Age and lack of positional flexibility no doubt limit the team’s interest in a lengthy pact, but with free agency beckoning it isn’t hard to see why Encarnacion and his camp are looking to maximize the term of years — which, he noted, was a key point from his perspective.
Encarnacion has established himself as one of the game’s premier power hitters and best contractual values over the last several years. Dating back to his breakout 2012 season, he has posted a .274/.371/.549 batting line with 151 home runs. Encarnacion has been consistent and durable, too, with only one campaign with an OPS+ below 150 (he put up a 145 mark in 2013) and one year in which he managed less than 600 plate appearances (he took 542 trips to the plate in 2014).
If no movement can be gained in talks with Toronto, Encarnacion says he’ll be glad to take that track record onto an open market that promises to feature a shallower crop of talent than was available this past winter. “Now, I hope to finish my year, finish my year healthy and go to free agency,” he said. While he made clear that he wouldn’t rule out a deal coming together, Encarnacion suggested an extension was not a likely outcome as things stand.
Thanks Ted Rogers, you have 5.9 billion dollars to spend on the NHL rights but you can’t support the blue Jays …. SELL THE JAYS YOU CHEAP S.O.B.’s
The Blue Jays are gonna miss out on Bautista and Edwin
Both Bautista and Edwin are too expensive… Bautista to old for the term he wants and EE to limited. I agree that Rogers should pony up, but are these the guys you want to break the bank for?
That’s what I mean. Both players are asking for way more than they are worth.
It’s not that Rogers isn’t ponying up, it’s more likely that those in charge said these two just aren’t worth what they are asking. Let them walk, or trade them if you can.
You hit the nail on the head gasman. If these guys were even just 3 or 4 years younger, you can say a team would be cheap. These guys are getting older and you do not want to be locked into them for guaranteed money for long term deals when history has shown that older players start having health issues quickly. How many people screaming to pay these guys at any cost at any length of contract would be the first to scream that the front office are a bunch of idiots when both these guys can’t play at this level in 2-3 years and the team is on the hook for big money for 2-3 years longer and they are not playing. Russell Martin is already on the books for 4 more years and he will fall off sooner than later. What do you do with him, Encarnacion and Bautista when all 3 can’t play the field any more because their legs are gone? Only 1 DH spot in a daily lineup.
I am okay with Edwin going. I would rather see them have Bautista for 4 more years. I think he will age well and with Edwin gone, he will have the DH spot all to himself when the team is ready to move forward with a more defensively minded outfielder.
Don’t forget about Martin. He is signed for 4 more years. He will need the DH spot sooner than later as well.
Why? Just because guys get older doesn’t mean they all need to be full-time DH’s. Martin is an elite defensive catcher and in very good shape, I doubt his catching skills will erode to the point where you can’t even play him at the position any more.
Just another “poor” team in a “small market” I see.
If they plan on keeping Donaldson, they can’t offer Edwin any more than 3 years.
Just because you have the money doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be smart with it. Neither of these guys are young and they are asking for big money over a log term. They simply aren’t worth it. That seems to be something a lot of fans don’t seem to understand
“They simply aren’t worth it. That seems to be something a lot of fans don’t seem to understand”
So you have exclusive information into the negotiations between Encarnacion and the Blue Jays execs?
Unless you explicitly know what they’re asking for, you can’t judge what’s ‘worth it’ and ‘not worth it’.
Well the world knows that Bautista asked for more than 5 years 150 mill and was initially unwilling to negotiate. At 39 years old you don’t sign a guy for 6+ years of big money that’s insane. So right there we know not worth it. Edwin likely won’t age well. Probably Ryan Howard like decline when his bat speed disappears. They couldnt get past term? He’s 33 so that likely means he was looking to sign 5 or 6 years at least and jays offering 2 to 3 I can’t see a 1 year difference ending talks. I don’t think I’d wanna be on the hook for a 38 year old EE at 20+ mill. Both guys have made it clear through the media their asks are unreasonable for their age as a result of being underpaid before and both are trying to vilify Rogers for not overpaying them in term and commitment. Real fans know the future and present need to be considered and using all your funds on old has beens is a great way to ensure you can’t sign your younger breakout guys past arbitration. That’s why a lot of fans didn’t like AA. Would take 6 years of dominance 3 years in the future than trade everything and still only compete once 3 years later.