Blue Jays, Encarnacion still talking despite reported Morales deal

Despite reportedly agreeing to a three-year deal with Kendrys Morales on Friday, the Toronto Blue Jays haven't given up on re-signing Edwin Encarnacion.

Amid speculation that Morales' contract signaled the end of the Blue Jays' relationship with their beloved slugger, Encarnacion's agent, Paul Kinzer, said Saturday that talks with Toronto's front office haven't stopped just because the Blue Jays picked up a designated hitter.

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

Though Morales is expected to be Toronto's everyday DH in 2017, Kinzer suggested that wouldn't stop the Blue Jays from continuing to pursue a new deal with Encarnacion, the three-time All-Star who started 74 games at first base last season. Once chided for his sloppy work in the field, Encarnacion's defensive chops have improved over the last couple seasons, with both Defensive Runs Saved and Ultimate Zone Rating pegging him as, at worst, an average first baseman.

"We feel like Edwin's a first baseman now," he said. "He finished strong. I think in (the Blue Jays') minds he's a first baseman now also. They have confidence in him there."

According to Kinzer, the Blue Jays recently submitted an offer to Encarnacion that "wasn't quite where we wanted it," but noted that Toronto is still his client's top choice. As of Friday, three teams were still in play for Encarnacion, Kinzer said, later adding that he expects a deal to be finalized soon, likely before next month's winter meetings in Maryland.

"We both know where we're at. December 4 is the winter meetings," he said. "There's a chance we could get there (without a deal for Encarnacion) but I doubt it."