Report: Blue Jays, Encarnacion mutually interested in reunion

The Parrot is considering a return north of the border.

As the Toronto Blue Jays continue to search for upgrades at first base, there's mutual interest between the team and free-agent slugger Edwin Encarnacion, according to Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith.

Encarnacion spent parts of eight seasons with the Blue Jays from 2009-16, becoming a fan favorite and one of baseball's most feared power hitters during that run, while serving as a pillar of Toronto's postseason teams in 2015 and '16. His 239 home runs as a Blue Jay rank third in franchise history, trailing only his longtime teammate Jose Bautista, and Carlos Delgado.

Following Toronto's run to the ALCS in 2016, Encarnacion signed a three-year contract with the Cleveland Indians. He only spent two years in Cleveland before being traded to the Seattle Mariners last winter, and then to the New York Yankees in June. New York declined his $20-million option in October.

Though his power numbers have sustained, Encarnacion - who averaged 4.2 WAR per year from 2012-16 - has not produced a three-win season since leaving Toronto.

Encarnacion only appeared in 109 regular-season games in 2019 due to some late-season injuries, but still displayed a potent bat. The 36-year-old surpassed the 30-homer mark for the eighth consecutive season - he's one of only 10 hitters since 2000 to have such a streak - while slashing an improved .244/.344/.531.

The Blue Jays are considering upgrades at first base following the departure of Justin Smoak, who reportedly inked a one-year deal with the Milwaukee Brewers. Right now, Rowdy Tellez - who is coming off a disappointing rookie season - is slated to be their everyday first baseman.

Toronto has also checked in on free-agent first baseman Travis Shaw this offseason, and Shaw continues to be linked with the team, according to Nicholson-Smith.

The Blue Jays may face competition for Encarnacion from the Chicago White Sox, who are also pursuing him, Gregor Chisholm of the Toronto Star reported Thursday. Although the White Sox already have a first baseman in Jose Abreu, they could get Encarnacion regular at-bats at DH.