Toronto Blue Jays: 5 Storylines for the 2016 Season

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May 17, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Edwin Encarnacion (10) congratulates right fielder Jose Bautista (19) after Bautista hits a home run during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

4) Will Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion be affected by their contract situations?

We’ll (in)sincerely apologize in advance for this storyline. No doubt, a lot of you are fed up with all the constant speculation surrounding the future of Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion after this season.

However, there is a natural tendency to wonder how the negotiations will affect the performances of the duo on the field? Bautista in particular seems to be aggrieved, accusing the team of leaking details of his initial demands.

You want to believe that two professional athletes such as these will be able to shut all the noise out for the next six or seven months. Certainly, when the players are in the heat of battle, the last thing on their minds will be thinking about their unresolved contract situations.

In reality, there is likely nothing but upside for the Blue Jays, albeit for just this season. Bautista and Encarnacion will both be playing for new contracts next year, whether it be in Toronto (their preference) or elsewhere.

Next: Back-to-back winners?

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