How the Jays could replace Bautista, Encarnacion

With their team's season just barely over, Blue Jays fans already want to know what's going to happen with pending free agents Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion.

If one or both don't come back, how will they — and their production — be replaced?

Encarnacion, however emotional he may have been after the Blue Jays were eliminated from the playoffs by the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday, said Toronto is his first choice while entering free agency. Bautista declined to address his future with the team following the loss.

The Blue Jays can offer both qualifying offers, with the number set at $17.2 million US, up from $15.8 million last year. What that means is both players would have a standing one-year offer of $17.2 million from the Jays, which they can choose to accept or hit free agency instead.

The qualifying offer allows the team to receive draft-pick compensation if the player decides to sign elsewhere.

If either Bautista or Encarnacion (or both) decides to leave, here are some names that could help mitigate the loss of those star sluggers:

Mark Trumbo, Baltimore (free agent)

He led the Major Leagues with 47 home runs in 2016, a big reason why the Orioles exceeded expectations and claimed one of the AL's wild-card spots. He's played left field, right field and first base throughout his career, bringing some versatility on defence.

He'll be only 31 at the start of next season, five years younger than Bautista and three than Encarnacion. Because of Trumbo's high strikeout numbers and low on-base percentage, his price tag shouldn't be exorbitant  — he made $9.15 million this season — and with more lineup protection, Trumbo's OBP and strikeout numbers might improve.

Brandon Moss, St. Louis (free agent)

One of the main issues with Toronto's lineup has always been its lack of left-handed hitters. Moss, a lefty power hitter who had 28 homers this season, would go a long way to filling that hole. Like Trumbo, Moss can play both corner outfield positions as well as first base.

He doesn't hit for average (.241 career), but he has 123 home runs since 2012, an average of 24.6 per year. At 33, he would be a short-term bandage, but left-handed power is something Toronto desperately needs. He made $8.25 million in 2016.

Josh Reddick, L.A. Dodgers (free agent)

Currently in the midst of a pennant run with the Dodgers, Reddick remains a left-handed-hitting right fielder who does lots of things well but nothing great. Only 29, Reddick set career highs in batting average (.281) and OBP (.345) this season, while seeing his power numbers drop off a with only 10 home runs.

He has averaged 17.2 homers per season since becoming a regular with Oakland in 2012 and keeps his strikeouts to a minimum. Being left-handed and only 29 should make him a prime target for the Blue Jays if Bautista bolts.

Rowdy Tellez, Double-A New Hampshire

Selected by the Jays in the 30th round of the 2013 draft out of high school, Tellez has developed into their top first-base prospect after smashing the ball in the minors this past year. Tellez, playing his first season in Double-A, hit .297 with 23 HRs and 81 RBI over 124 games.

In what seems like a common theme, Tellez is also a left-handed hitter. Just 21, he might need some time in Triple-A before getting the call to the majors. But if Encarnacion walks and Tellez performs well during spring training, there's an outside chance he claims a spot on the big-league roster.

Joey Votto, Cincinnati

Something of a running pipe dream for Jays fans, the Toronto-born Votto has been the subject of speculation as a potential target as recently as September. According to Jon Heyman of todaysknuckleball.com, Toronto has told the Reds to not make a deal without letting them know. Why would Votto be good for the Jays? Well, he plays first base, he's left-handed, and is simply one of the best hitters in the league.

The big hurdle to cross would be his enormous contract, which has eight years remaining on the 10-year, $225-million extension he signed in 2014. The return Cincinnati would want is most likely directly related to how much money any team would want them to cover in Votto's remaining contract, but either way, he won't come cheap. He also has a full no-trade clause.