Report: Jays hope to retain Bautista, Encarnacion

As Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion play out the final years of their respective contracts, the Toronto Blue Jays would like to keep the pair in Toronto according to MLB Network's Jon Heyman.

A six-time All-Star, Bautista is in the last year of a five-year, $64 million deal and is believed to be seeking a five-year, $150 million contract in free agency. With Bautista set to turn 36, the Jays would be more inclined to offer a shorter term deal with a higher annual value.

Through 21 games this season, Bautista is batting .268 with four home runs and 16 runs batted in. His 19 walks lead the league and his .413 on-base percentage is fourth in the American League.

Heyman reports that the Jays offered Encarnacion a two-year extension with a vesting option in the spring, but there was no response from the Encarnacion camp.

The Jays hope to revisit talks at the All-Star break, though Encarnacion said in spring training that he didn't intend to negotiate on a new deal during the season.

In 21 games this season, the two-time All-Star is hitting .280 with two home runs and 14 RBI and an OPS of .740.