Report: Red Sox won't chase Encarnacion after missing out on Beltran

The Boston Red Sox appear to be sticking to their guns.

After being spurned by Carlos Beltran, who reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with the Houston Astros Saturday, the Red Sox will have to turn their sights elsewhere for another big bat to replace David Ortiz at designated hitter. One slugger that doesn't appear to be on their radar - despite being an even clearer fit with Beltran off the market - is free agent Edwin Encarnacion, but that union still appears unlikely. The Red Sox are apparently still not planning to chase the 33-year-old this winter, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.

Encarnacion's reported asking price of $100 million may be too much for the Red Sox, who have been reluctant to pursue him despite both parties being connected on multiple occasions. It was reported earlier in November that Encarnacion and Boston had not engaged in any serious discussions, while another report this week suggested the team is "probably" not among the finalists for his services.

Throughout the winter, Red Sox president Dave Dombrowski has poured cold water on Encarnacion rumors, suggesting that the team prefers to replace Ortiz with a shorter-term bat like Beltran or Kendrys Morales (before both were scooped up). Another possibility would be to go with what they already have, rotating Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval between first base and DH, with the former also seeing time at third to spell Travis Shaw.

One rival executive believes just that, telling Rob Bradford of WEEI that with Beltran gone, Boston's plan B for DH is likely Sandoval, the high-priced free-agent bust who missed all but three games last year due to injuries.

In addition to the Red Sox, Encarnacion has received interest from the Astros - who may well be out of the running after grabbing Beltran - along with the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Texas Rangers. Encarnacion's agent, Paul Kinzer, said earlier in the week that his client could sign somewhere soon after receiving two serious offers.