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


Where will Encarnacion land?

With the Blue Jays' recent signing of Steve Pearce, does that spell the end of Edwin Encarnacion's time in Toronto? The all-star first basemen/designated hitter reportedly rejected the Blue Jays' four-year, $80 million contract offer at the beginning of the off-season and according to Jon Morosi, the team's acquisition of Pearce and designated hitter Kendrys Morales happened more quickly than Encarnacion anticipated. The Cleveland Indians are among the teams still in pursuit of the slugger, but according to Blue Jays' President Mark Shapiro says signing Encarnacion is "improbable". The New York Yankees loved Encarnacion, according to Jon Heyman, but are intent on avoiding long-term deals to players over 30-years-old so it doesn't seem likely that he will end up in pinstripes.


Dodgers interested in Bautista?

Richard Griffin reports that the Los Angeles Dodgers have reached out to former Blue Jays' outfielder Jose Bautista and his agents, but contract talks are currently on hold as the market "further plays itself out". The Tampa Bay Rays have also believed to be in touch with the right-handed slugger. In an injury-plagued season for the 36-year-old, Bautista batted .234 with 22 home runs and 69 RBI in 116 games.


Blue Jays still interested in Bruce

The Toronto Blue Jays continue to show interest in New York Mets outfielder Jay Bruce, but according to Jon Heyman they are offering little. The Blue Jays almost acquired the three-time all-star last off-season in a trade that would've sent outfielder Michael Saunders to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and multiple prospects to the Cincinnati Reds, Bruce's current team at the time, before a failed medical surrounding one of the players involved nixed the deal. The 29-year-old batted .250 with 33 home runs and 99 RBI between the Reds and Mets last season and has one year left on his current contract that will pay him $13 million in 2017.


Red Sox land Thornburg from Brewers in exchange for Shaw, prospects

Multiple sources are reporting that the Boston Red Sox have acquired reliever Tyler Thornburg in exchange for first baseman Travis Shaw and pitching prospects Mauricio Dubon and Josh Pennington. Thornburg was 8-5 for the Brewers in 67 innings pitched with a 2.15 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 90 strikeouts.


Orioles meeting with Trumbo

Buster Olney reports that the Baltimore Orioles and free agent slugger Mark Trumbo are meeting again today to try and "work out differences". After a breakout season for the 30-year-old in which he hit 47 home runs, the two sides didn't seem to be close on contract negotiations. On Sunday, Olney reported that the Orioles offered Trumbo a four-year contract in the $52-55 million range, but Trumbo's camp countered with an offer in the $75-80 million range.


Fowler on Cardinals' radar

Ken Rosenthal reports that according to major league sources, the St. Louis Cardinals have offered outfielder Dexter Fowler an initial offer. The switch hitter has also been sought-after by the Toronto Blue Jays, who reportedly offered him a four-year, $60 million contract. The first-time all star in 2016 hit .276 with 13 home runs and 48 RBI with the World Series champion Chicago Cubs.


Yankees and Marlins closing in on Chapman, Jansen?

According to Jon Heyman, the New York Yankees continue to focus on signing Aroldis Chapman. They are willing to offer him a five-year deal worth $80 million, which would eclipse the record four-year, $62 million deal just signed by closer Mark Melacon by the San Francisco Giants. However, Heyman says Chapman is reportedly looking for a six-year contract. Meanwhile, the Miami Marlins continue to be in the mix for the top closers on the free agent market. Right-hander Kenley Jansen has been the Marlins' top target since the off-season, according to Joel Sherman.


Red Sox 'strongly in mix' for Moreland

Multiple sources are reporting that the Boston Red Sox are "strongly in the mix" for free agent first baseman Mitch Moreland. Jeff Wilson is reporting that the Texas Rangers, Moreland's former team, is out, and the Cleveland Indians are also a possibility. The 31-year-old batted .233 with 22 home runs and 60 RBI in 2016 for the Rangers.


Dodgers interested in Frazier?

Jerry Crasnick reports that the Los Angeles Dodgers have "expressed interest" in Chicago White Sox third baseman Todd Frazier. The team's main priority remains to re-sign free agent third baseman Justin Turner, but Crasnick says that Frazier is a potential back-up plan. The 30-year-old is arbitration-eligible in 2018 and is coming off a solid first season with the White Sox, batting .225 with 40 home runs and 98 RBI.