The MLB free agency period is underway. Teams and players alike are looking to make big splashes during the off-season.


Keeping Tabs

A return to the Toronto Blue Jays for slugger Edwin Encarnacion still seems unlikely according to reports, but the Jays haven't closed the door completely.

According to MLB Network Insider Jon Heyman, the Jays are at least monitoring Encarnacion and remain in touch with his agents. Heyman adds that while Encarnacion would prefer a return, he's talking more to other teams currently.

Heyman also talked with Encarnacion's agent Paul Kinzer, who said he and Encarnacion aren't panicking.


Rule 5 Draft

The Blue Jays added a player Thursday, not through free agency but through the Rule 5 Draft.

The Blue Jays selected RHP Glenn Sparkman from the Kansas City Royals in the Rule 5 Draft.

The 24-year-old Sparkman pitched across four levels last year (Rookie, A-Ball, High-A, and Double-A), and finished with a combined 5.22 ERA, with 65 strikeouts in 60.1 innings.


Next Man Up

With Aroldis Chapman off the market after reportedly signing a five-year, $86 million deal with the New York Yankees, the free agent closer market shifts its focus on former Los Angeles Dodgers ninth inning man Kenley Jansen

Three teams seem to be leading the charge for Jansen - the Miami Marlins, Washington Nationals, and Dodgers - with the 29-year-old closer set to secure a deal almost as big as Chapman's.

Yahoo Sports MLB columnist Jeff Passan reports the Marlins have made the biggest offer to Jansen so far, with it nearing the benchmark the Yanks set with Chapman.

After losing out on former Pittsburgh Pirates closer Mark Melancon, the Nationals are still looking to make a splash at the back-end of their bullpen as well, according to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal.


Backup Plan

When Jansen is taken off the market, the next hottest closer could be the Tampa Bay Rays' Alex Colome.

Heyman reports the Nationals have talked to the Rays about Colome, adding the Rays might not be willing to trade the 27-year-old, but would be selling high if they did so.


Nationals discussing deal for Robertson?

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the Washington Nationals tried to get Chicago White Sox' closer David Robertson packaged in the deal for outfielder Adam Eaton yesterday, but nothing materialized. The two sides are now reportedly discussing a deal for Robertson separately. The right-hander had 37 saves for the White Sox in 2016 with a 3.47 ERA and 75 strikeouts.


Uehara close to deal with Cubs

Evan Drellich of the Boston Herald reports that the Chicago Cubs and free agent reliever Koji Uehara are close to a contract. According to Japanese outlet Nikkan Sports, the the deal is for one year, worth $4.5 million. The 41-year-old had a solid season for the Red Sox in 2016. In 47 innings pitched, the right-hander had a 3.45 ERA with 63 strikeouts and a 0.96 WHIP.