ALCS - Cleveland Indians v Toronto Blue Jays - Game Four

Edwin Encarnacion #10 of the Toronto Blue Jays hits a single in the first inning against Corey Kluber #28 of the Cleveland Indians during game four of the American League Championship Series at Rogers Centre on October 18, 2016 in Toronto, Canada.

(Elsa/Getty Images)

The Yankees can downplay making a big splash this winter, but opposing teams clearly aren't buying it.

According to a Major League Baseball general manager from a team that has had discussions with free-agent slugger Edwin Encarnacion, the Yankees are among the teams in the mix for the designated hitter/first baseman. That report comes from Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe:



There's "a healthy amount" of interest in the slugger, according to a GM who has had some discussions on Encarnacion. The Red Sox, Yankees, Rangers, and Astros are in the discussion, and there could be more teams.



Encarnacion, 33, has become one of the best offensive players in the sport. In 2016, the ex-Blue Jays star hit 42 home runs and posted a .529 slugging percentage. Since breaking out in 2012, here's where Encarnacion ranks in power categories among all hitters in baseball:



Home runs: 2nd

Slugging percentage: 5th

OPS: 6th

OPS+: 6th

Extra-base hits: 4th

Offseason plan for Yankees



If the Yankees land Encarnacion, a middle-of-the-order partner for star rookie Gary Sanchez would be present. While Encarnacion would be a natural fit at designated hitter (a spot vacant after recent departures by Alex Rodriguez, Carlos Beltran and Brian McCann), the ability to play first base regularly would give New York security if young players like Greg Bird and Tyler Austin don't progress.

Earlier this month, MLB insider Jon Heyman predicted that Encarnacion would land a four-year, $92M deal this winter.

Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.