TORONTO -- The Blue Jays haven't ruled out the possibility of re-signing Edwin Encarnacion, but they certainly don't sound like a team that's going to announce his return any time soon.
Toronto general manager Ross Atkins reiterated Thursday afternoon that Kendrys Morales' three-year deal worth $33 million does not eliminate the possibility of bringing back Encarnacion, but it does make a deal "less likely."
Atkins' comments came at a time when the free-agent market for Encarnacion appeared to be heating up. His agent Paul Kinzler went on record earlier this week saying there was a good chance Encarnacion would sign by the end of next week's Winter Meetings, and there has been a seemingly endless number of rumours over the last 48 hours.