Astros: Do They Even Have a Shot at Edwin Encarnacion?

Although unlikely, Edwin Encarnacion would make the Astros lineup more dangerous.

Unless we start hearing rumors about the Houston Astros having interests in Edwin Encarnacion, I don’t want to get Astros Twitter too excited. There is very little chance that Encarnacion would choose Houston as he has expressed a desire to stay in the AL East. The 33-year-old first baseman has played for the Toronto Blue Jays since 2009. However, this run in Toronto feels like it has come to an end.

Two straight years, the Blue Jays knocked the Rangers out of the playoffs in the first round. Both years, they were eliminated in the ALCS. Encarnacion goes home not knowing what his future holds, but wherever he goes, he can expect to get paid. He said following the loss to the Indians that he would wait until after the World Series before he thinks about a new team.

Only in Houston, would people think that there is even a chance to get Encarnacion. Rumors are hinting that the Red Sox might go after to replace David Ortiz. Jon Heyman believes that there is a high chance the Yankees could sign him. Always the loyal son, Encarnacion has said that the Blue Jays are his first choice. Rumors are that the Rangers are sniffing around as well.

Do the Astros even have a shot? Houston is not known as a premier free agent destination. Do they even have the money?

What do other CTH contributors think about the Astros chances of landing Encarnacion?

Michael Knight

There is a chance, especially given the current circumstances. If the Blue Jays were to make it to the World Series, he probably would continue to play in Toronto. Since they were knocked out by the Indians in such deciding fashion, there is more of a chance of him leaving now than ever. The Astros have a chance to get him because we have a young team with a great core, it all depends on whether Luhnow is willing to spend.

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Brian Haas

I think that question is more one for Lunhow or Crane. They showed once again this year that they weren’t gonna really put money in to win now. Where do we put him? First base/DH kinda has a logjam. It could free up prospects to trade. I’m just not confident that the current ownership/management are willing to put their money where their mouth is.

Danny Cagen

I don’t think there’s a chance Encarnacion comes to the Astros. He’s already mentioned he wants to go back to Toronto and is high on his list. Throw the Red Sox into the mix, and it looks like he’ll stay in the AL East unless Luhnow breaks the bank, which is unlikely.

Elliott Jenkins

I think there is a very small chance that the Astros signs Encarnacion. He is quoted that he would like to stay in the AL East, whether it be Toronto or Boston, but there is always the mystery team factor. I wouldn’t want to overpay for a 33-year-old 1B/DH coming off a great year, and the Astros are much better off spending their money elsewhere.

Clint Irle

When looking at Edwin Encarnacion, I do not believe acquiring him is a priority for the Astros. If you consider their record, in light of the subpar pitching, they will perform very well. If it was not for some pitching woes and a 4-18 record against the Rangers, the club would’ve been a playoff factor. I’m all for spending money to take this team to the next level, but spending wisely is even better.

Next: Should the Astros Pursue a J.D. Martinez Reunion?

While it appears that the contributors at CTH are not sold on the Astros signing Encarnacion, it’s okay to hope. Maybe we will see him doing the fist pump run around the bases in a Houston Astros uniform.

***Stats from Baseball-Reference***