Report: Astros prefer Encarnacion on 3-year deal

The Houston Astros are looking to make a major splash this winter, but they'd prefer to keep their financial commitments short term.

Free-agent slugger Edwin Encarnacion is one of general manager Jeff Luhnow's top targets, and he'd ideally like to land the slugger on a three-year deal with a larger annual salary, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

It was reported earlier this week that Encarnacion has generated interest from 10-11 teams, with his agent seeking a five-year, $125-million deal. He's already been in contact with his former team, the Toronto Blue Jays, while the Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox are believed to have varied levels of interest.

Signing him would cost the Astros a draft pick, as the Blue Jays extended him a qualifying offer. Rosenthal noted that Encarnacion would fit into the middle of Houston's lineup, but the only knock against the three-time All-Star is that they'd prefer to add a left-handed bat to an already righty-heavy lineup.

Luhnow acknowledged Tuesday that the Astros' front office feels a sense of urgency to compliment their young core with a big veteran bat this winter. They've also been tied to free-agent designated hitter Carlos Beltran, Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera, and New York Yankees catcher Brian McCann.