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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.
Was this the last time Edwin Encarnacion leaves Rogers Centre as a Blue Jay?
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) October 20, 2016
"Thank you!"
"Please come back, Eddie!"
"F--- the Red Sox." pic.twitter.com/vmO0uSrtcT
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?
Encarnacion won’t choose Houston. Right?
There are many teams out there who could offer more than the Astros beyond money. The Astros had several contracts come off the books, so they have money to spend. Jeff Luhnow has said that Jim Crane has given him the go-ahead to increase the payroll this year but didn’t say by how much.
Will the Astros put their money where their mouths are this offseason? This team has the foundation of a team that can win, but they can’t do that with temporary band-aids signings. The team could use a top of the rotation starting pitcher. There are not many among pitchers in the free agent market. Picture what it would be like to have Encarnacion in Houston orange!
Why can’t we as fans want for our favorite team to get one of the best free agents on the market? The Astros have a lineup that lacks a consistent hitter besides Jose Altuve, who should be leading off. If we add a hitter like Encarnacion to the lineup, it will make the lineup up deeper to lead to more offense.
Jeremy Booth on Talking Stros has said all season that George Springer is more suited as the fifth hitter in the lineup. Imagine this lineup, if Encarnacion somehow lands in Houston.
Projected lineup.
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- Houston Astros: A Lineup Change to Spark Offense
- Astros prospect Hunter Brown throws 6 shutout innings in debut
- Always faithful Astros World Series champion Josh Reddick defends the title
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- Alex Bregman goes off in August, leads Astros
Altuve – 2b
Alex Bregman – 3d
Encarnacion -1b
Carlos Correa -ss
Springer – rf
Yulieski Gurriel – lf
A.J. Reed – Dh
Evan Gattis– c/dh
Teoscar Hernandez – cf
The outfield is up in the air, and it is unknown if Gurriel could play left field full time. The Astros could add an outfielder this offseason, but I don’t see it if they add Encarnacion. While Springer was a spark plug batting leadoff, he did score over 100 runs in 2016. His tools could be better suited as a RBI guy. I know what you are thinking, that is an extreme right-handed hitting lineup.
Imagine adding a player to the lineup who hit 42 homers and drove in 127 runs. That would instantly make the Astros one of the most powerful teams in baseball. To make this happen, Crane will have to open the pocketbook and lure Encarnacion away from the AL East.
Maybe Encarnacion will see that in will be too hard to win in the AL East, so he will bring his talents to the AL West. No, I don’t want him to sign with the Rangers. He could be a game changer for the Astros, but will they even be given a chance to discuss a contract with him. If they do, will the Astros change the way they have approached free agency recently?
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.
More from Climbing Tal's Hill
- Houston Astros: A Lineup Change to Spark Offense
- Astros prospect Hunter Brown throws 6 shutout innings in debut
- Always faithful Astros World Series champion Josh Reddick defends the title
- Michael Conforto declines Astros’ 2-year, $30 million offer
- Alex Bregman goes off in August, leads Astros
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***