Should the Blue Jays Re-Sign Bautista or Encarnacion?

In a perfect world, Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion both sign long-term contracts, win a World Series title, retire as Blue Jays, and have their names entered into the Level of Excellence.

But this is not a perfect world for the Blue Jays. It’s very likely that one or perhaps even both of Bautista and Encarnacion walk away as free agents at season’s end.

These guys helped legitimize the Blue Jays franchise and both players have been instrumental in the Jays’ turnaround. And in many ways, Jose Bautista’s and Edwin Encarnacion’s long and winding journey with the Blue Jays has mirrored the path the team itself has taken over the past five years.


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Losing one or potentially both of them would undoubtedly be a huge blow to the Toronto Blue Jays. But it’s wise to prepare for the likelihood that Jose and Edwin won’t be back.

Insiders like Ken Rosenthal aren’t convinced the Jays have what it takes to keep both players on board. Rosenthal said this a few weeks ago on Sportsnet 590 The Fan:

“I just know that coming from Cleveland where they (Shapiro/Atkins) had to be so disciplined because of the financial restrictions they were always under, they know that investments in older players are generally speaking, not wise. That’s why I’m not convinced either of those guys (Bautista/Encarnacion) is going to be back.”

 

DETROIT, MI - JULY 05: Jose Bautista #19 of the Toronto Blue Jays celebrates a run home run in the fifth inning while playing the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on July 5th 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

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TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 24: Edwin Encarnacion #10 of the Toronto Blue Jays hits a single in the first inning during MLB game action against the Baltimore Orioles on April 24, 2014 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
(Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

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Ian Hunter

Ian has been writing about the Toronto Blue Jays since 2007. He enjoyed the tail-end of the Roy Halladay era and vividly remembers the Alex Rodriguez "mine" incident. He'll also retell the story of Game 5 of the 2015 ALDS to his kids for the next 20 years.

4 thoughts on “Should the Blue Jays Re-Sign Bautista or Encarnacion?

  • February 18, 2016 at 9:40 am
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    As a Koodo mobile user, and an OTA TV watcher, I hereby 100% endorse a “Bautista & Encarnacion” tax on all Rogers services to pay for their extensions.

  • February 20, 2016 at 9:53 am
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    I think the new regime will go for the logical rather than emotional call..if they sign either. EE will be cheaper, younger and willing to transition to DH. JB will block emerging OF defensive talent (Pompey or Alford), cost a lot more and be a painful transition from the outfield. (George Bell anyone?)

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  • November 1, 2016 at 8:27 am
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    Sign both back please

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