Report: Red Sox, Encarnacion haven't had serious discussions

Retired slugger David Ortiz may have tabbed Edwin Encarnacion as his predecessor with the Boston Red Sox, but as it currently stands the free agent hasn't spoken seriously with the club.

According to major-league sources of WEEI.com's Rob Bradford, the Red Sox and Encarnacion's camp haven't engaged in serious discussions.

The 33-year-old Encarnacion is one of the top free agents available on the open market and has had plenty of reported interest from the Toronto Blue Jays, Texas Rangers, and Houston Astros.

While the Red Sox have frequently been named as a possible destination for the slugger, they don't appear to be major players for his services, according to president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski, who claimed they won't spend big money to replace Ortiz or commit to a long-term designated hitter from the open market.

"I'm not sure if we're going to do that just internally with a lot of the people we have, or go outside the organization," Dombrowski told WEEI. "I think that's a decision we're just going to wait and to see what takes place."

Even though Encarnacion has said he loves Boston, his agent was reportedly still talking with his client's former club in Toronto as of Saturday.

"I talked to (Blue Jays GM) Ross (Atkins) this morning," Kinzer told TSN's Rick Westhead on Saturday. "We're still talking."

Encarnacion finished the 2016 campaign with a .263/.357/.529 slash line with 42 home runs and 127 RBIs.

He's reportedly seeking a five-year deal worth $125 million after making $10 million last season.