The Cleveland Indians got their man, reaching a three-year agreement with free agent Edwin Encarnacion. Yahoo Sports’ Jeff Passan reports the deal will be worth $65 million guaranteed. It’s not believed to include an opt-out, which Encarnacion’s representatives seemed keen on landing, but does include a $5 million buyout.
The Encarnacion sweepstakes heated up quickly last week, with as many as six teams reportedly making strong multi-year offers. Opposing executives were viewing the Indians as the team to beat entering the final stages of negotiations on Thursday, and that proved to be true.
In a sense, the rich just got richer. The Indians steamrolled through the American League playoffs last season and nearly did the same in the World Series before blowing a three games to one lead against the Chicago Cubs. It was a team set up to contend again in 2017, even before landing Encarnacion. That they aggressively pursued and ultimately landed a free agent of his caliber should solidify them as AL favorites again, and if nothing else certainly cements their desire to cross the finish line next fall.
Without Encarnacion, the Indians are still one of the better American League teams. However, Edwin provides power and clutch ability that can stand out it any lineup, no matter how talented or weak it is. Encarnacion, who turns 34 in January, will more than fill the void left by the popular and productive Mike Napoli. The now-former Blue Jays slugger was the anchor of Toronto’s offense last season, hitting .263/.357/.529 with 42 home runs and a league-leading 127 runs batted in. He brings that presence and production to Cleveland’s lineup, which makes him an upgrade over the outgoing Napoli.
The Indians signing Encarnacion shows they are trying to go all-in in hopes of making it back to the World Series. If you look at the bigger picture, the Indians already have everything they need. Now, they have a middle-of-the-order bat that brings everyone in the lineup together. If Encarnacion can provide the same level of production and leadership in Cleveland, the Indians may be the team to watch out for
