Report: Blue Jays, Encarnacion currently not talking contract

Since the team's reported signing of Kendrys Morales, the Toronto Blue Jays have yet to resume contract discussions with free-agent slugger Edwin Encarnacion, according to Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith.

The two sides haven't talked since Friday, Nicholson-Smith reported Monday afternoon.

The Blue Jays were aggressively trying to work out a deal with Encarnacion early on, making an offer believed to be around four years and $80 million, according to Sportsnet's Shi Davidi. It's widely expected Encarnacion will be given more money and term - his reported asking price is in the $125-million range - leading to the Blue Jays' pursuit and subsequent signing of Morales to a three-year, $33-million deal, which was the team's "preferred alternative", Davidi notes.

Impending free agent Jose Bautista, along with Encarnacion, declined the team's qualifying offer of $17.2 million Monday. The Blue Jays will receive draft-pick compensation for each player if they sign elsewhere.

The Blue Jays are still interested in outfielder Josh Reddick, whom they pursued at the trade deadline, and have been linked to first baseman Steve Pearce. Like Morales, Reddick and Pearce weren't eligible for qualifying offers, meaning the Blue Jays would not have to give up a draft pick if they signed either player.

Related: 5 players Blue Jays should pursue if Encarnacion, Bautista depart

The team has also begun to shift focus to the bullpen, reportedly offering left-handed reliever and longtime Blue Jay Brett Cecil a three-year deal.