NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Blue Jays have yet to engage in serious contract negotiations with designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion but remain open to the idea of signing him to a long-term extension.
Encarnacion is entering the final year of a $39 million deal he signed in 2012. He is set to become a free agent at the end of the '16, and according to a report from Boston sports radio station WEEI, Encarnacion has set a deadline of Opening Day for contract negotiations.
The report indicated that if Encarnacion does not sign a long-term deal before April 3 he will take his chances with free agency.