Report: Bautista, Encarnacion eye Red Sox as potential landing spot

As the red hot Toronto Blue Jays descend into Boston to begin a crucial weekend set with the Red Sox, the free-agent whispers surrounding their big-money sluggers have picked up once again.

Both Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion reportedly "envision" the Red Sox as a potential landing spot in free agency should they not reach agreements to remain in Toronto, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.

The link between the sluggers and Boston makes sense, as either player could slot into the team's soon-to-be vacant designated hitter slot from the retiring David Ortiz. Both players also love to hit at Fenway Park: Bautista sports a lifetime .277/.366/.598 line with 22 homers at the venerable stadium, while Encarnacion has slashed .296/.370/.527 in Boston.

According to Heyman's report, Encarnacion is reportedly asking for four years in free agency, while the Blue Jays have apparently offered just two years. Bautista made waves in spring training by declaring the Blue Jays know his price and there won't be any negotiations beyond that.

While Encarnacion has refused to talk about his upcoming free agency since the season started - even when Ortiz endorsed the Red Sox signing him as his replacement - Bautista hasn't been shy about discussing his thoughts on the matter. On Tuesday, the 35-year-old stated that he'd be "stupid to leave Toronto," where he's become one of the greatest players in the franchise's 40-year history.

Both players would be entering free agency for the first time in their respective careers.