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Report: Red Sox, Yankees among teams still discussing Encarnacion

Ken Blaze / USA TODAY Sports

Edwin Encarnacion's market remains strong while the uncertainty surrounding a new collective bargaining agreement has brought free agency to a halt.

There's a "healthy amount" of interest in the former Toronto Blue Jays slugger, one general manager who has had discussions with Encarnacion told Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. The New York Yankees, Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, and Houston Astros are all in the discussion for the slugger, with Cafardo mentioning there could also be additional teams in the mix.

The Blue Jays reportedly offered Encarnacion a deal in the range of $80 million over four years earlier this month that was turned down. General manager Ross Atkins has not ruled out a reunion with the 33-year-old, though it appears unlikely he will re-sign in Toronto after the Blue Jays agreed to a three-year deal with designated hitter Kendrys Morales.

Houston has been one of the most active clubs this winter, trading for catcher Brian McCann in addition to signing both outfielder Josh Reddick and starter Charlie Morton. They have a need at first base and at DH, as well as the funds to make an attractive offer to Encarnacion.

The Red Sox and Yankees have been quiet so far, as they wait to see where the new luxury-tax threshold will be set when the new CBA is signed. Boston's interest in Encarnacion has wavered, as president Dave Dombrowski is reluctant to tie up the DH position with a long-term deal for one player.

Texas agreed to a one-year deal with Andrew Cashner and will most likely direct its attention to adding a first baseman and/or designated hitter. The Rangers want to add another bat after both Ian Desmond and Carlos Beltran hit free agency and Prince Fielder was forced into early retirement.

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