Rumor Roundup: Texas landing for Encarnacion?

The Hot Stove season is underway, and we’re keeping you up to date with the latest free-agent news, trade buzz, rumors and more.

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Rangers looking into Encarnacion

The Texas Rangers have not ruled out signing first baseman Edwin Encarnacion, general manager Jon Daniels suggested while appearing on MLB Network Radio on Wednesday.

Daniels left open the possibility of bringing in the free-agent slugger, but told host Casey Stern, “It’s got to be the right situation to do it.”

Encarnacion hit .263 with 42 home runs and an American League-leading 127 RBIs for the Blue Jays last season and is considered to be one of the best hitters available in free agency. The 33-year-old has hit 30-plus home runs in five consecutive seasons.

The Rangers are in need of a first baseman after their primary option in 2016, Mitch Moreland, signed a one-year deal with the Red Sox. Bringing in Encarnacion would fill the power void left by Moreland, who hit 22 home runs for Texas last season.

Encarnacion was said to be seeking an $80 million contract earlier this offseason, but the market has not turned out as expected. It’s possible he could go the route Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes took last offseason when he signed a three-year deal that included an opt-out clause after one season, allowing him to hit the open market a year later, but without having any Draft-pick compensation tied to him.

Daniels hinted on SiriusXM that the Rangers may be willing to open their wallet for the right player.

“We’re going to have the highest payroll in the history of the franchise,” Daniels told Stern.

Encarnacion has also been connected to several other teams, including the Blue Jays and Indians.

Dodgers, Twins talking Dozier trade

The Dodgers and Twins have had ongoing discussions regarding a possible trade that would send Minnesota second baseman Brian Dozier to Los Angeles, sources told MLB.com’s Jon Paul Morosi on Wednesday.

Per Morosi, no deal is imminent, but the two sides “remain in dialogue.”

With veteran Chase Utley now a free agent, the Dodgers are looking to make a play for Dozier to help fill their vacancy at second base.

Dozier set an American League record for most home runs in a season by a second baseman when he clubbed 42 total long balls last season.

The 29-year-old still has two years and $15 million remaining on his current contract.

Cubs interested in Detroit reliever The Cubs have contacted the Tigers about possibly acquiring left-handed reliever Justin Wilson, according to Morosi.

The 29-year-old Wilson appeared in 66 games for Detroit last season, posting a 4.14 ERA and 10.0 K/9 innings. In 2015, he posted a 3.10 ERA in 61 innings for the Yankees.

Prior to joining New York, Wilson was with the Pirates, the club that drafted him in the fifth round of the 2008 Draft. In all, Wilson pitched 138 1/3 innings while with the Cubs’ National League Central rival, giving him substantial experience within the division.

#Cubs have been in contact with #Tigers on a possible Justin Wilson trade, source says; unclear if there is current momentum. @MLB

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 12, 2016

#Cubs have been in contact with #Tigers on a possible Justin Wilson trade, source says; unclear if there is current momentum. @MLB

Bautista still talking to Blue Jays

The Blue Jays and free-agent slugger Jose Bautista remain in contact about a potential reunion, according to Morosi.

Bautista’s representatives met with the club on Wednesday, though the two …

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