David Ortiz‘s recruitment efforts of Edwin Encarnacion during the all-star break didn’t sit well with Toronto Blue Jays fans, and apparently not Major League Baseball either.
Ortiz suggested at a press conference on Tuesday that Encarnacion would be a great fit for the Red Sox after he retires and that the team should look into pursuing the upcoming free agent – remarks that caught the attention of MLB.
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According to the MLB’s rules and regulations “there shall be no negotiations or dealings respecting employment, either present or prospective, between any player, coach or manager…unless the Club or baseball employer with which the person is connected shall have, in writing, expressly authorized such negotiations or dealings prior to their commencement.”
For his part, Encarnacion was flattered Ortiz would speak so highly of him, but said he’s focused on the Blue Jays and his goal of making the World Series this season.
Encarnacion, who leads the majors with 80 RBI, is a free agent at the end of the season and has yet to engage in talks with the Blue Jays about a contract extension.
Ortiz, a 10-time all-star, is in the final year of his Hall of Fame career.