MLB Hot Stove: Edwin Encarnacion suitors line up
After several signings over the weekend, the market for Edwin Encarnacion is starting to take shape.
Last weekend could not have gone any worse for free-agent first baseman/designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion. Carlos Beltran signed with the Houston Astros, erasing one potential landing spot. The New York Yankees signed Matt Holliday to serve as their DH for 2017, taking another potential suitor out of play. Encarnacion’s old team, the Toronto Blue Jays, signed another first baseman, Steve Pearce, and were linked to several additional free agents. According to Encarnacion’s agent, his client did not take the news of Pearce’s signing with Toronto well.
Sources: Toronto and Cleveland have been in on Mitch Moreland. Blue Jays looking less and less likely a landing spot for Edwin Encarnacion.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 5, 2016
With a saturated first base/DH market this winter, Encarnacion is left with very little leverage. Already, teams have snapped up cheaper DH options like Pearce, Beltran, and Holliday. He was reportedly seeking a five-year deal for $125 million at the start of free agency. The Blue Jays countered with an offer for four years and $80 million. There is obviously a wide gap in what the Jays are willing to pay Encarnacion and his expectations.
One team that has been viewed by many as an ideal landing spot for Encarnacion, the Boston Red Sox, do not appear to have the financial flexibility to get a deal done. After the retirement of David Ortiz, Encarnacion appeared a logical fit to take over at DH in Boston.
For tweeps who keep thinking Boston might jump in on Encarnacion: Remember, they're already at $190m+ for projected payroll '17.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 5, 2016
The Baltimore Orioles are also not expected to pursue Encarnacion, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network and FOX Sports. The Cleveland Indians have also checked in, but that does not appear to have been more than a polite conversation given the team’s budget. All of this leaves Encarnacion with very little negotiating power. He may find a home with the Texas Rangers, or be forced to return to the Blue Jays on their terms, not his own.
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At this point, Texas is the most likely landing spot for the 2016 AL RBI champ, but how far from his original asking price will Encarnacion be forced to settle?