The Toronto Blue Jays' first baseman and designated hitter, Edwin Encarnacion, might stay in Canada after the 2016 MLB season. According to Sports Net, Encarnacion has opened contract extension talks between his representatives and the Blue Jays.

The 33-year-old slugger will become a free agent after the season if both sides can't agree on a new deal. The report noted that the negotiations are still at its early stages. Encarnacion insisted that he doesn't want it to be a distraction when the regular season starts in April.

The Dominican Republic-native is one of the 10 soon-to-be free agents for Toronto this season. However, he will be one of the team's top priorities because of his proven production at the plate since his arrival in 2009.

In his seven seasons with the Blue Jays, Encarnacion has a batting average of .269 with 197 home runs and 552 RBIs. He was named an All-Star in 2013 and 2014 and received AL MVP votes thrice in the last four seasons.

Last season, he maintained a batting average of .277 while hitting 39 home runs and 111 RBIs. That kind of production at the plate will make him one of the most sought-after free agents of the 2017 class.

Encarnacion Wants to Stay With the Blue Jays

"I want to stay on this team. I love this team, I love this city, but it's not about my opinion. It's about the way the team is thinking. I hope we get it done so I can stay here for the rest of my career," Encarnacion said last week, as quoted by the Toronto Sun.

He also revealed his plans for the team this season, as well as his desire to keep mum regarding the contract extension talks. The slugger noted that he will focus on his usual workload for the team instead of his impending free agency.

"I want to try to make this team better and help get us back to the playoffs. That's my goal. I don't need to talk about a contract. I'll leave that to my agent and he knows what he's going to do," the first baseman added.

How Much Is He Worth?

Encarnacion is in the final year of his three-year, $29-million deal signed last 2013. His salary for this season is $10 million, but based on the numbers he produced last season and overall with Toronto, he will command much more money.

According to SB Nation, it's very difficult for Toronto to give him a seven-year, $161-million deal that Chris Davis received from the Baltimore Orioles due to his age. Encarnacion's production, however, is almost the same as Davis.

The Blue Jays could possibly offer him a maximum deal of five years, with the money ranging from $125 million to $140 million.