This has been a bit of a whirlwind offseason for Edwin Encarnacion. The infielder was waived by the Blue Jays. Then he was claimed by the A’s. Then he was non-tendered by the A’s, becoming a free agent. And now he’s headed back up north.
Edwin Encarnacion, Blue Jays Agree To One-Year Contract
According to Jerry Crasnick, Encarnacion has signed a one-year contract with the Blue Jays. The contract is worth $2.5 million, and comes with a club option for 2012. It’s a good deal for Toronto, who initially waived Encarnacion because they didn’t want to take him to arbitration and give him a raise from the $4.75 million he earned in 2010. This way, they get the same player for a good deal less money.
Although Encarnacion has been a third baseman in the past, it’s expected that the nearly 28-year-old righty will now work in a platoon at first base and DH with Adam Lind. Encarnacion batted .244 with 21 home runs last season, and owns a career .847 OPS against left-handed pitchers. Though he hits for a low average, he has more than enough power to make himself useful at the plate.
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