Athletics considering run at Edwin Encarnacion

The Athletics are considering a run at top remaining free agent Edwin Encarnacion, according to a report from Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports. The club appears to be in the early stages of a pursuit.

Oakland is likely looking for a bargain-type deal with Encarnacion, who was expected to sign before last week’s Winter Meetings before seeing his market shrink due to a variety of circumstances. The Yankees’ addition of Matt Holliday, Astros’ signing of Carlos Beltran and Blue Jays’ additions of Steve Pearce and Kendrys Morales eliminated three of Encarnacion’s top suitors, leaving the slugger without a team as clubs departed the meetings in Washington, D.C.

Multiple teams — including the Indians, Rangers, Cardinals and Rockies -- have been linked to Encarnacion since the beginning of last week, with the Jays said to be considering a reunion at a bargain price. At this point, it makes sense for teams like the A’s to jump into the market to see if a short-term deal is attainable.

Encarnacion, who turns 34 next month, is expected to command a 3- or 4-year deal on the open market after hitting .263/.357/.529 with 42 homers and 127 RBI in 160 games for Toronto last season.