MLB Rumors: Edwin Encarnacion and the Chicago White Sox have agreed to terms on a one year deal for $12 million, per multiple reports. At least one report has indicated that there is a $12 million team option for 2021.
Encarnacion, who has been around so long he was drafted by the Texas Rangers when Doug Melvin was the general manager, spent the 2017 and 2018 seasons with the Cleveland Indians. He was sent to Seattle after the 2018 season in a three way deal that sent Carlos Santana from Seattle to Cleveland and Yandy Diaz from Cleveland to Tampa Bay. He was then dealt in June to the New York Yankees for pitcher Juan Then.
Encarnacion, who turns 37 next month (and shares a birthday with me), put up an 875 OPS last year, and continues to draw walks and hit for power as he enters his late-30s. He’s mostly been a DH, and I would assume the ChiSox will have Jose Abreu play 1B while Encarnacion DHs, though they could rotate.
Encarnacion was a name that was bandied about as a possible 1B option for Texas, though there was never any indication Texas seriously had interest in him. However, the ChiSox signing Encarnacion would seem to take them out of the mix for Nick Castellanos, who the Rangers have pursued, apparently as a first baseman.
UPDATE — Jeff Passan is now confirming there’s a 2021 option for $12M.