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When it comes to free agent slugger Edwin Encarnacion, the market for his services may be thinning a bit.

First, the Astros on Saturday reportedly agreed to terms with veteran batsman Carlos Beltran on a one-year contract. Since Beltran at this stage of his career fills the same role that Encarnacion does, this would seem to eliminate Houston, which had been strongly linked to Encarnacion, from the running for his services.

Then there's Boston. Franchise legend David Ortiz of course retired following the 2016 season, which leaves a tremendous void at DH for the Red Sox. Understandably, Encarnacion has been a rumored target of theirs this winter. However, here's this recent nugget from Jon Heyman:

If that's the case, then that makes two rumored suitors that may be no longer in on Encarnacion. Potentially, that's good news for the Blue Jays.

The Jays are faced with significant potential losses on the free agent market, but lately it seems they'll angle for contention again in 2017. Such plans would likely entail making a serious bid to bring Encarnacion back. Earlier this offseason, the Jays were reported to have made Encarnacion a four-year offer worth $80 million. That was deemed insufficient at the time, but perhaps the evolving market will make that a more competitive proposal. As well, the Jays after signing Kendrys Morales aren't quite as desperate for Encarnacion as they once were.

Of course, we're talking about a right-handed slugger who cracked 42 home runs a season ago and owns an OPS+ of 146 over the last half-decade. Yes, Encarnacion provides no defensive value and is going into his age-34 campaign, but the market typically pays a premium for top-tier power. That is to say, he's going to have other interested teams.

The Yankees traded away Beltran during the season and then traded away Brian McCann last month. As such, they have a need at DH. By all appearances, the Yankees are looking to contend in 2017 (in addition to having an excellent long-term outlook), and Encarnacion would very much advance that cause.

Elsewhere, the Rangers have been mentioned in connection with Encarnacion. They're a former Beltran employer, as well, so they're left with a DH hole. If you're looking for a longshot, perhaps the Royals? They lost Morales to Toronto, and they're poised for one last run before free agency hits them hard next offseason. That said, KC has shown little willingness to spend money this winter.

In the end, Saturday's events and scuttle probably made it more likely that Encarnacion winds up back in Toronto. As with all things free agency, though, it's a fluid situation.