Once Carlos Beltran agreed Saturday to a one-year deal with the Astros, he was removed as an option for the Yankees. Now, the Yankees look to other options. With their youth presence increasing, and the veterans fading away, the Yankees are in for a very nice future. Last year, the Yankees made two separate trades with the Cubs and the Indians, trading away Aroldis Chapman and Andrew Miller to get a plethora of prospects to rebuild their system. Now, the Yankees aim to bring Chapman back to New York, but they also look for more offensive production.
If the Red Sox are to be believed and are not going to invest significantly in a DH replacement for David Ortiz, then Edwin Encarnacion’s options have decreased. Theoretically, that puts the Yankees in the position to chase after him. Encarnacion would certainly benefit from a chance in New York. First, let's look at Yankee Stadium. The stadium opened in 2009 and has been a hitter's dream come true since. Encarnacion brings even more power that could very well suit the outfield dimensions at the park. Encarnacion can also provide depth at first and third despite struggling defensively.
Encarnacion going to New York may be crucial to the Yankees. He has averaged 39 home runs and a .912 OPS over the past five years. He would serve as the regular DH and likely switch to first base against tough lefties to protect Greg Bird. His move could also provide DH at-bats for Gary Sanchez. He would be insurance should Bird not return well from shoulder surgery and the kind of proven, veteran bat who could serve as a role model for all the young hitters coming along. The Yankees are usually spenders in the offseason, and with Edwin Encarnacion coming off a career year, money may not be the issue. Given his increased production and the veteran presence he provides, the Yankees may also increase their production in an attempt to make it back to the World Series.
Jose Bautista, Matt Holliday, and Luis Valbuena can certainly be options for New York as well. However, Encarnacion may make the most sense, despite it potentially coming at a high price. Usually, as players enter their mid-30s, they begin to decline. This move may hold off Encarnacion's decline, and provide the Yankees with more offense. The Yankees definitely have needs to address, and Edwin Encarnacion should be their biggest goal.
