Report: Rockies interested in Indians' Encarnacion

The Colorado Rockies would like to upgrade at first base and are reportedly interested in Cleveland Indians slugger Edwin Encarnacion, according to Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post.

Colorado received next to no production from the position in 2018. Ian Desmond, the team's primary first baseman, appeared in 160 games and hit 22 homers while stealing 20 bases. However, his minus-0.7 fWAR was the third-lowest total among first basemen and the worst at his position in the National League.

Encarnacion is coming off a bit of a down season with Cleveland, as his slash line dipped slightly to .246/.336/.474. The soon-to-be 36-year-old still slugged 32 homers - the seventh straight season he's hit at least 30 - and drove in 107 runs for the AL Central champions.

A trade to the friendly confines of Coors Field could help Encarnacion keep hitting for power, though it would also force him to play the field in the National League. He's primarily been a designated hitter in Cleveland and has only played 46 games at first base over the past two seasons.

He'll earn $20 million in 2019 and has a $20-million club option for 2020 that can be bought out for $5 million.

Encarnacion is one of several high-priced Indians veterans the team is apparently shopping in an attempt to reduce payroll. A variety of scenarios involving the slugger, including some potential three-team deals, are thought to be on the table; the Tampa Bay Rays are said to be interested as well.

The Rockies have also reportedly talked to the Seattle Mariners about a trade for Carlos Santana. If they acquire another first baseman, Desmond - who's guaranteed $40 million over the next four years - could potentially shift back into a utility role.