Chicago — The New York Yankees neared a trade for Seattle slugger Edwin Encarnación on Saturday night, looking to boost a power-packed lineup that's been beset by injuries.

A person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press the teams were trying to complete the deal. The person spoke under condition of anonymity because the trade was not finalized.

ESPN was the first to report the deal. It was not immediately known what the Yankees might send to the Mariners.

The 36-year-old Encarnación began the day leading the AL with 21 home runs in his first season with Seattle. He has averaged 37 homers and 109 RBIs in his last seven years.

Encarnación was not on the field with the Mariners as they warmed up for Saturday night's game at Oakland.

Encarnación, who is a first baseman and designated hitter, is hitting .241 and is among the league leaders with 49 RBIs and 48 runs scored. The three-time All-Star moved from Cleveland to Seattle last December in a three-team trade that included Tampa Bay.

The Yankees have managed to stay in the AL East race despite a long list of injuries.

Giancarlo Stanton could return next week after being sidelined by biceps, shoulder and calf injuries, and Aaron Judge also is inching closer after he strained his left oblique in April. Both stars are on rehab assignments in Triple-A.

Seattle either traded or let go many of its big-name players after last season, with Nelson Cruz, Robinson Cano, Edwin Diaz and Jean Segura among them. The new-look Mariners got off to a 13-2 start this year, but have since faded into last place in the AL West. They recently traded outfielder Jay Bruce to Philadelphia.