Encarnación to the Blue Jays (speculation only)

[IanK1968]

The recent arrivals of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and Cavan Biggio give the Blue Jays the makings of what could one day become an elite offense. But there is something to be said for a veteran presence to serve as both a resource and run-producer, and who better to fill that role for a Toronto team with some financial flexibility (and first baseman Justin Smoak in free agency) than old pal Edwin Encarnación?

 

Both sides wanted to renew the relationship at the end of 2016, but Encarnación wrongly turned down an $80 million offer early in the offseason and wound up in Cleveland. The parrot’s passport is still valid, so this reunion would work.

 

Got this fron the hot stove. Thoughts?

[Spanky99]

The recent arrivals of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and Cavan Biggio give the Blue Jays the makings of what could one day become an elite offense. But there is something to be said for a veteran presence to serve as both a resource and run-producer, and who better to fill that role for a Toronto team with some financial flexibility (and first baseman Justin Smoak in free agency) than old pal Edwin Encarnación?

 

Both sides wanted to renew the relationship at the end of 2016, but Encarnación wrongly turned down an $80 million offer early in the offseason and wound up in Cleveland. The parrot’s passport is still valid, so this reunion would work.

 

Got this fron the hot stove. Thoughts?

 

Really?

[IanK1968]

https://www.mlb.com/news/homecomings-mlb-free-agency-hot-stove

[IanK1968]

Ive posted before but couldnt remember my password and I dont use the same email anymore, so I made a new account.

[Deadpool]

The recent arrivals of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and Cavan Biggio give the Blue Jays the makings of what could one day become an elite offense. But there is something to be said for a veteran presence to serve as both a resource and run-producer, and who better to fill that role for a Toronto team with some financial flexibility (and first baseman Justin Smoak in free agency) than old pal Edwin Encarnación?

 

Both sides wanted to renew the relationship at the end of 2016, but Encarnación wrongly turned down an $80 million offer early in the offseason and wound up in Cleveland. The parrot’s passport is still valid, so this reunion would work.

 

Got this fron the hot stove. Thoughts?

 

As I've said the other thousand times this has come up, hard no. Late 30s, DH only (limiting the flexibility of the roster) and just not where I'd spend the team's resources.

[Jimcanuck]

Ya, I get that some of you have a sentimental nature, but c'mon a successful baseball team is run using the head, not the heart.

[Krylian]

No to Edwing. Move forward, not back.

[Nofunatall]

As I've said the other thousand times this has come up, hard no. Late 30s, DH only (limiting the flexibility of the roster) and just not where I'd spend the team's resources.

 

What's the difference? Were not spending on anything else. Maybe I'm just salty on the recent Grandal signing to CWS and I think it's a bad omen of things to come. That's a guy we should of been way more in on and serves as an amazing bridge type deal to both work with our core (and future) SP now while also drawing a larger name to the org. We have so much financial clout I'm totally baffled as to why were just sitting on our hands.

 

While I agree EE shouldn't be coming back here I just don't see where else were going to be spending in the next couple of offseasons.

[Barkerfan23]

Bring the gang back together. I believe bats and bringer of rain are also free agents

 

Bichette

Vlad

Donaldson

Edwin

Biggio

Bats

Lourdes G

Jansen

Grichuk

 

Pitcher?

While beefs a flock

 

With this lineup we will win 62 games got sure

[saskjayfan]

No to Edwing. Move forward, not back.

 

It's never a hard no until you know dollars and term. If the dollars are discounted enough would it really be that bad to have a veteran hitter for guys like Vlad and Gurriel to talk hitting with.

[wamco]

1 year, say 10m or less? I’m down

[Barkerfan23]

It's never a hard no until you know dollars and term. If the dollars are discounted enough would it really be that bad to have a veteran hitter for guys like Vlad and Gurriel to talk hitting with.

 

You must not listen to Atkins. He has already been on record that we have great emerging hitters like Fisher teoscar Drury n Brito

 

No need for big bats we have already

[jaysblue]

Ya, I get that some of you have a sentimental nature, but c'mon a successful baseball team is run using the head, not the heart.

 

If EE comes on a respectable 1-year-deal, I think you have to consider it. Adding him to the middle of the lineup with Biggio, Bichette and Vlad would be a nice fit. It's not like EE would be blocking anyone at 1B or DH unless you really believe in Tellez.

 

Look at what the Twins did when the signed Nelson Cruz last offseason and the impact on their young lineup this past season. Just saying. If the price is right, bringing back EE isn't that bad of a baseball decision.

[wamco]

Exactly

[wk680]

If EE comes on a respectable 1-year-deal, I think you have to consider it. Adding him to the middle of the lineup with Biggio, Bichette and Vlad would be a nice fit. It's not like EE would be blocking anyone at 1B or DH unless you really believe in Tellez.

 

Look at what the Twins did when the signed Nelson Cruz last offseason and the impact on their young lineup this past season. Just saying. If the price is right, bringing back EE isn't that bad of a baseball decision.

 

Yes, and he got a cool $5M buyout from the Yankees. So if the Jays were to only pay him $10M for 2020, he is actually raking in $15M - pretty good for an old guy

[Jimcanuck]

If EE comes on a respectable 1-year-deal, I think you have to consider it. Adding him to the middle of the lineup with Biggio, Bichette and Vlad would be a nice fit. It's not like EE would be blocking anyone at 1B or DH unless you really believe in Tellez.

 

Look at what the Twins did when the signed Nelson Cruz last offseason and the impact on their young lineup this past season. Just saying. If the price is right, bringing back EE isn't that bad of a baseball decision.

 

Sure, but he should be a target further down the list

[wk680]

Sure, but he should be a target further down the list

 

Below who ?

[Deadpool]

What's the difference? Were not spending on anything else. Maybe I'm just salty on the recent Grandal signing to CWS and I think it's a bad omen of things to come. That's a guy we should of been way more in on and serves as an amazing bridge type deal to both work with our core (and future) SP now while also drawing a larger name to the org. We have so much financial clout I'm totally baffled as to why were just sitting on our hands.

 

While I agree EE shouldn't be coming back here I just don't see where else were going to be spending in the next couple of offseasons.

 

This is based on....?

 

It's never a hard no until you know dollars and term. If the dollars are discounted enough would it really be that bad to have a veteran hitter for guys like Vlad and Gurriel to talk hitting with.

 

If there were not 40 or 26 (that's going to take some time to get used to) man roster concerns, sure. There are, however.

 

I honestly think there's more value in rotating our position players through DH as needed than there is having a full time DH. And no, Edwin is not a 1B, c'mon.

[Jimcanuck]

Below who ?

 

Is EE your no. 1 offseason target?

[Krylian]

It's never a hard no until you know dollars and term. If the dollars are discounted enough would it really be that bad to have a veteran hitter for guys like Vlad and Gurriel to talk hitting with.

 

It's a no for me because, regardless of dollars, I don't want an Edwin-style player on this roster. Bat, no glove flexibility at all. I want my position players to add value in multiple ways.

[wk680]

Is EE your no. 1 offseason target?

 

No, I would go for Moustakas (3 years, up to $50 M) and send Junior to 1B. But in reality, I would rather put all my FA resources into pitching. Jays need both SP and bullpen help big time! So Wheeler, Wood, Wacha, Pineda, Roark, Pomeranz and maybe Gibson and Graveman would be on my list (would like Bum and Cole but price on them is likely prohibative).

 

ETA: include Strasburg in the prohibitive price category, (even though he f***ing sucks in MLB the SHow 19 )

[saskjayfan]

It's a no for me because, regardless of dollars, I don't want an Edwin-style player on this roster. Bat, no glove flexibility at all. I want my position players to add value in multiple ways.

 

Edwin is a perfectly capable first baseman. His UZR/150 was slightly above average when he was with the jays and just below average when he was with the indians and Yankees. He's by no means a black hole defensively at first.

 

I have no idea what our budget is. I'm not suggesting we spend money on Edwin if we can land Wheeler. He could land as low as 1 year 7 mil. If that's the case I'd be in. Our only 1st baseman is Tellez. Especially with the extra roster spot Edwin makes sense. He provides protection for young bats at the plate. He is a very good hitter veteran players can help with development. He's the type that can be flipped at the deadline.

 

I'd rather us sign Edwin and actually make a decision on getting rid of one of Mckinney, Fisher, Hernandez, Mckinney, Drury.

[BTS]

I'm not sure I'm really understanding the opposition to Encarnacion on a 1-year deal at 10-14M. Payroll right now is projected at like 71M. The limiting factor in adding talent this offseason isn't going to be 2020 payroll space, it's going to be a lack of talented players that are willing to sign for terms that the FO is comfortable with. If Edwin is willing to sign, I think you happily take him on a 1-year deal.

 

Who is he even taking plating time from? Rowdy Tellez? Tellez hasn't earned a full-time MLB job, and can still be optioned to AAA. IF he mashes there, he'l find his way back. I also don't care much for the idea of just rotating players through the DH spot. Average DH wRC+ last year was 110. The only hitter on the tam projected to be better than that is Vlad. If you're DHing the likes of Hernandez, Grichuk, McKinney, you're getting below average production. If any of the glut of league average (or worse) hitters we have need a day off, just give them a day off.

[jaysblue]

Is EE your no. 1 offseason target?

 

Mine would be Strasburg or Cole, but realistically, we both know that isn't happening.

 

EE is a realistic FA target given the fact that he likely will come on a cheap 1-year-deal (as we have seen the market of free agent DH's over the last couple of winters). Also, his addition to a young lineup would be beneficial. For example, look at how the Twins added Nelson Cruz last offseason. On a 1-year deal at $10-12M, EE could still provide a lot of value with his bat. Also, the Jays don't have anyone blocking 1B or DH. Tellez hasn't earned full time AB's yet from what I've seen of him.

[jaysblue]

It's a no for me because, regardless of dollars, I don't want an Edwin-style player on this roster. Bat, no glove flexibility at all. I want my position players to add value in multiple ways.

 

Damn, so I guess you wouldn't have wanted David Ortiz on your roster. Or Nelson Cruz if he was available for that matter. Nothing wrong with rostering those guys if they rake. Would rather have Nelson Cruz or EE as a DH rather than rotating that spot with below average bats everyday.

[Deadpool]

I'm not sure I'm really understanding the opposition to Encarnacion on a 1-year deal at 10-14M. Payroll right now is projected at like 71M. The limiting factor in adding talent this offseason isn't going to be 2020 payroll space, it's going to be a lack of talented players that are willing to sign for terms that the FO is comfortable with. If Edwin is willing to sign, I think you happily take him on a 1-year deal.

 

Who is he even taking plating time from? Rowdy Tellez? Tellez hasn't earned a full-time MLB job, and can still be optioned to AAA. IF he mashes there, he'l find his way back. I also don't care much for the idea of just rotating players through the DH spot. Average DH wRC+ last year was 110. The only hitter on the tam projected to be better than that is Vlad. If you're DHing the likes of Hernandez, Grichuk, McKinney, you're getting below average production. If any of the glut of league average (or worse) hitters we have need a day off, just give them a day off.

 

I'm not a Tellez believer (though, I suspect once all is said and done, the numbers between EE and Telez probably won't be that dissimilar in 2020), but I'm also not a believer in a bat only guy who's almost as old as I am. Basically, there's no upside to EE, you're going to get somewhere in the neighbourhood of 2 WAR at best from him AT BEST, and honestly I think there's a reasonable argument to be made that between guys like Fisher, Hernandez, Grichuk, McKinney, and Drury (and maybe Tellez), one or more of them is going to put up numbers better than that.

 

I really don't like the idea of a full-time DH on this team when there are so many question marks from guys who might contribute beyond 2020. At this point, I'd like to see Fisher, McKinney, and Drury jettisoned into the sun, but if I had my choice between one of them and the known commodity that is EE, I'd rather see any of them (and others, or other potential FAs) in the lineup.

 

I'm not totally writing off 2020, but I don't expect to see a playoff run, and I'd rather gauge what we may have in the future rather than getting all nostalgic for what we had in the past.

[jaysblue]

I'm not a Tellez believer (though, I suspect once all is said and done, the numbers between EE and Telez probably won't be that dissimilar in 2020), but I'm also not a believer in a bat only guy who's almost as old as I am. Basically, there's no upside to EE, you're going to get somewhere in the neighbourhood of 2 WAR at best from him AT BEST, and honestly I think there's a reasonable argument to be made that between guys like Fisher, Hernandez, Grichuk, McKinney, and Drury (and maybe Tellez), one or more of them is going to put up numbers better than that.

 

I really don't like the idea of a full-time DH on this team when there are so many question marks from guys who might contribute beyond 2020. At this point, I'd like to see Fisher, McKinney, and Drury jettisoned into the sun, but if I had my choice between one of them and the known commodity that is EE, I'd rather see any of them (and others, or other potential FAs) in the lineup.

 

I'm not totally writing off 2020, but I don't expect to see a playoff run, and I'd rather gauge what we may have in the future rather than getting all nostalgic for what we had in the past.

 

If you consider players like Fisher, McKinney and Drury as major parts to the future of this club, the Jays won't be contending anytime soon.

[Barkerfan23]

If you consider players like Fisher, McKinney and Drury as major parts to the future of this club, the Jays won't be contending anytime soon.

 

Based on this Atkins doesnt think the Jay's will be competing any time soon

[Deadpool]

If you consider players like Fisher, McKinney and Drury as major parts to the future of this club, the Jays won't be contending anytime soon.

 

Good job ignoring my larger point for a sub-par one-liner.

[glory]

I'm not a Tellez believer (though, I suspect once all is said and done, the numbers between EE and Telez probably won't be that dissimilar in 2020), but I'm also not a believer in a bat only guy who's almost as old as I am. Basically, there's no upside to EE, you're going to get somewhere in the neighbourhood of 2 WAR at best from him AT BEST, and honestly I think there's a reasonable argument to be made that between guys like Fisher, Hernandez, Grichuk, McKinney, and Drury (and maybe Tellez), one or more of them is going to put up numbers better than that.

 

I really don't like the idea of a full-time DH on this team when there are so many question marks from guys who might contribute beyond 2020. At this point, I'd like to see Fisher, McKinney, and Drury jettisoned into the sun, but if I had my choice between one of them and the known commodity that is EE, I'd rather see any of them (and others, or other potential FAs) in the lineup.

 

I'm not totally writing off 2020, but I don't expect to see a playoff run, and I'd rather gauge what we may have in the future rather than getting all nostalgic for what we had in the past.

 

Agreed. If the Jays were a middle of the order bat away from contention, then Edwin on a one year deal would make sense. That's not the case. I'm not particularly high on Fisher, Hernandez, Drury, McKinney, etc, and would get rid of them in a second to improve the quality of the roster, but reality is Atkins likes all of them and if even one of them turns into a late blooming core piece (or even a 2-3 win player), then that means more to the Jays than anything Edwin could possibly provide in 2020. Edwin is also 37 without the PED history (Cruz) so we can't just assume he's going to maintain his production. An alternative to signing a short term DH/1B is to trade for a blocked one in another org who may come cheaper because of it. Yankees have had some success with that recently. Someone like Dom Smith who is stuck behind Alonso in NY could be a reasonable trade target if you feel his 2019 turnaround is a sustainable change. I'm sure there are a bunch more on other teams.