The Blue Jays have until five days after the World Series ends to use an exclusive negotiating window with all their impending free agents, and Atkins acknowledged the process of trying to re-sign both Encarnacion and Bautista has already begun.
A three-time All-Star, Encarnacion is coming off another season where he ranked among the majors' top offensive players. In 160 games, he hit .263/.357/.529 with 42 home runs, 34 doubles, and 127 RBIs. Over his last five seasons, he's averaged 39 home runs and 100 RBIs.
Bautista, meanwhile, is coming off an injury-plagued year that limited him to 116 games. He hit .234/.366/.452 with 22 home runs, 24 doubles, and 69 RBIs
A three-time All-Star, Encarnacion is coming off another season where he ranked among the majors' top offensive players. In 160 games, he hit .263/.357/.529 with 42 home runs, 34 doubles, and 127 RBIs. Over his last five seasons, he's averaged 39 home runs and 100 RBIs.
Bautista, meanwhile, is coming off an injury-plagued year that limited him to 116 games. He hit .234/.366/.452 with 22 home runs, 24 doubles, and 69 RBIs