NASHVILLE — The Red Sox likely will be keeping a close eye on Edwin Encarnacion news the next few months.
According to multiple major league sources, Encarnacion will commit to becoming a free agent if no extension is worked out with the Blue Jays by the end of spring training.
This is notable for the Red Sox since sources have suggested there would be significant mutual interest between the first baseman/designated hitter and the Sox if Encarnacion did become a free agent following the 2016 season. He was a favorite of Sox manager John Farrell when both were in Toronto.
Encarnacion, who turns 33 in January, potentially could slide in to replace David Ortiz at the designated hitter position, depending on how Hanley Ramirez progresses at first base.
The representatives for Encarnacion — who will make $10 million in 2016, the final year of what has become a four-year deal — will meet with the Blue Jays at the winter meetings over the next few days to discuss the slugger’s contract status.
The Blue Jays are also facing the prospects of another one of their foundation players, Jose Bautista, hitting free agency after the ’16 season.
Encarnacion has the ninth-best OPS (.912) in the major leagues over the past three seasons, with the third-most home runs (109). Last season, he hit 39 homers with a .929 OPS.