Report: Blue Jays making 'strong push' to re-sign Encarnacion

The Toronto Blue Jays want to make sure Edwin Encarnacion stays home.

As general managers gather in Arizona for their annual meetings, Toronto has reportedly given the free-agent slugger something to ponder after forward-thinking discussions, according to Sportsnet's Shi Davidi.

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports echoed Davidi's report, stating the two sides are expected to continue talks on Tuesday.

The Blue Jays formally extended $17.2-million qualifying offers to Encarnacion and Jose Bautista, though it doesn't seem as though the club has discussed further with Bautista.

Encarnacion's agent reportedly said the slugger is seeking a contract in the range of five years and $125 million.

Report: Encarnacion seeking 5-year, $125M deal

Since 2012, the 33-year-old has proven to be one of baseball's most feared hitters. In that span, he's belted 193 home runs and driven in 550 runs, while slashing .272/.367/.544.

Regardless of where Encarnacion ends up, it's expected he'll sign as a designated hitter.