Edwin Encarnación

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Edwin Elpidio Encarnación (born January 7, 1983) is a Dominican professional baseball first baseman and designated hitter who is a free agent.

He has played for the Cincinnati Reds, Toronto Blue Jays, Cleveland Indians, Seattle Mariners, and New York Yankees.

Encarnación is a three-time All-Star.

Early life

Encarnación was born in the Dominican Republic to Elpidio Encarnación, a track and field coach, and Mireya Rivera. He is the third of three sons, including Richard and Julio, and four children, including younger sister Evelin. Encarnación had twelve half-siblings as a result of his father's death. Since his father took up teaching at a Puerto Rican college, Encarnacion split time as a high school student between his native country and Puerto Rico. His Puerto Rican residence made him eligible for the Major League Baseball draft.

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Professional career

Encarnación was drafted in the ninth round of the 2000 Major League Baseball draft by the Texas Rangers, and he has signed with them. In exchange for pitcher Rob Bell, the Rangers traded him and Rubén Mateo to the Cincinnati Reds on June 15, 2001. On June 24, 2005, he made his Major League Baseball debut and appeared in 69 games. He had a.232 batting average, nine home runs, and 31 runs batted in (RBIs).

Encarnación played 117 games for the Reds in 2006, and batting.276 with 15 home runs and 72 RBIs. Encarnación received the National League Player of the Week award for the week August 7-13. He led the league with four home runs and 24 total bases this week, batting.440 with eight RBIs.

Encarnación started the year slowly in 2007, losing by over.200. Josh Hamilton, who was trying to resurrect his career after being deterred by heroin use and alcohol, was often benched in favor of Ryan Freel, which gave him Josh Hamilton, who was trying to resurrect his career after it was stifled by heroin use and alcohol use, more center field. Encarnación was suspended again at one point by then-death governor Jerry Narron for not operating out a fly ball. Encarnación was demoted to the Louisville Bats, Encarnación's Triple-A affiliate. On May 22, 2007, he was recalled to the Major Leagues for the first time. Encarnación batted.289 with 16 home runs and 76 RBI for the 2007 season.

Encarnacion set career highs in games played and home runs in 2008. He batted.251 in 146 games with 26 home runs and 68 RBIs, as well as strike out 102 times, the first time he had struck out more than 100 times in his career.

Encarnación said he wanted to be more consistent as a hitter who did not try to hit home runs in every at bat for the 2009 season: "I want to stay more to the middle." Last year, I attempted to pull too many balls and hit more home runs. That's why my average fell. I'll be more consistent as a hitter. I know I can do it. I've done it before. I know I can do better than that, but I also have to keep working." Encarnación appeared in 43 games with the Reds in 2009, batting just.209 with five home runs and 16 RBIs before being traded to Toronto.

Encarnación, as well as right-handed pitcher Josh Roenicke and Zach Stewart, was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays for Scott Rolen on July 31, 2009. J. P. Ricciardi, the current Blue Jays general manager, was only interested in purchasing Roenicke and Stewart, but Cincinnati would not sign the deal until the Blue Jays take on Encarnacion. Encarnación appeared in 42 games for the Blue Jays in 2009, batting.240 with eight home runs and 23 RBIs.

Encarnación sustained first and second-degree burns to the forehead and the right side of his face when a rocket firecracker struck him in the chest and burst out near his mouth during the offseason. Encarnacion was admitted to a Miami hospital after being first being treated near his Dominican Republic home. He was released less than two days after the incident.

Encarnación played 30 games between April and May 2010, owing to a right arm injury, before returning to May 18, 2010. In his first at bat since the Minnesota Twins' injury, he hit a home run. In three straight at-bats against the Arizona Diamondbacks on May 21, he had three home runs against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Encarnacion was optioned to the Triple-A Las Vegas 51s on June 20, following a loss to the Giants. However, the Blue Jays had him named for assignment the next day, in a surprise move. Encarnacion was later promoted to Triple-A Las Vegas on June 23, 2010, but Jartt Hoffpauir, Encarnacion's replacement, was later called up to the Blue Jays on July 2, 2010. On the last day of the season, he scored his 100th home run against the Minnesota Twins, as well as becoming the Jays' seventh player of the 2010 season with 20 or more home runs. Encarnación's 2010 season ended with a batting average of.244, 21 home runs, and 51 RBI.

The Oakland Athletics claimed Encarnacion off waivers on November 12, 2010. He was non-tendered by the Athletics on December 2 and was made a free agent. He signed a one-year contract with the Blue Jays worth $2.5 million in 2010, with a club option worth $3.5 million in 2012. He played third base for the Blue Jays in 2011 and struggled offensively. Since being promoted to the designated hitter position, his numbers increased sharply. Encarnacion scored a new career record for doubles in a single season with 34. Encarnacion's rookie Garrett Richards suffered on September 22, but the Rogers Sportsnet One sign ran off the Rogers Sportsnet One logo in the 12th inning against the Angels. Encarnación batted.272 with 17 home runs and 55 RBIs in 2011.

The Blue Jays purchased the $3.5 million club option for the 2012 season on October 31, 2011.

Encarnacion earned his fourth grand slam in his career in the 8th inning leading the Blue Jays to a 7-0 victory in a game against the Seattle Mariners on April 28, 2012. Encarnación's grand slam was the first time he had his arm out in his distinctive "chicken-wing" fashion while rounding the bases. Edwin will do for every home run from then on, and this trademark will be branded "Parrot Walk." Fans will imitate it in the stands and even flap their arms as if they were the wings of a parrot. It was so popular that it had T-shirts, hats, and even toy parrots attached to fans' right arm.

Encarnación's first home run off starter Yu Darvish was scored on April 30, 2012, during a home game against the Texas Rangers. Following Colby Rasmus and José Bautista's first home runs by the Blue Jays in an inter-league match against the Milwaukee Brewers on June 19, Encarnación scored the last three consecutive home runs by the Blue Jays, the first time the Jays has gone back-to-back with home runs in 2012, and only the sixth time in franchise history. Encarnación's 3-year contract extension with Toronto was signed on July 12, 2012. The 2016 season featured a $10 million club option.

Encarnacion's 40th home run of the season (offside starter Félix Hernández) was his 100th RBI of the season on September 13, 2012, marking the first time he had more than 40 home runs and 100 RBIs. On November 28, 2012, Encarnación was unanimously selected as the Blue Jays Player of the Year by the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA). He also received the Most Improved Player award for the Jays.

Encarnación's fifth grand slam to lead the Blue Jays 8–3 over the Baltimore Orioles on May 23, 2013. The Jays would take the game 12–6.

Encarnación was named as a reserve designated hitter for the American League on July 6, 2013. Encarnación was one of four Blue Jays to be named, with José Bautista, Brett Cecil, and Steve Delabar among the others. Encarnacion's triple-slash record of.264/.352/.532 was posted during the All-Star break, with 25 home runs and 72 RBIs. Encarnación debuted as a pinch-hitter for David Ortiz in the seventh inning and lost the game 0–2. Encarnación was the second Blue Jay to reach two home runs in one inning in a game against the Houston Astros on July 26, 2013. Joe Carter had to do so on October 3, 1993, tying the Major League record for most home runs in an inning. Encarnación's lead off the 7th inning behind 6–4, but Encarnación's solo home run and sixth grand slam would come later, with a curtain call thereafter as the Blue Jays scored 8 runs in the inning and lead 12–6. On July 29, he was named American League Player of the Week, after batting.520 with three doubles, two home runs, and eight RBIs over the previous week. Encarnacion's 30th home run of the season on August 7, 2013 against the Seattle Mariners, was his 30th home run of the season. For the first time in his career, he ran back-to-back 30 home run seasons. Encarnación's 1,000th career hit against the Kansas City Royals on August 31, 2013. Encarnación Jeremy Guthrie, a single off Kansas City starter Jeremy Guthrie, was the first to face him. On a two-run home run against Brandon McCarthy of the Arizona Diamondbacks, he scored 100 RBIs for the second straight season. With a wrist injury in mid September, he spent time on the bench but made a brief return before being put on the disabled list on September 17. On September 19, he underwent successful surgery. Encarnación posted a.272 average, 36 home runs, and 104 RBIs in 2013. For the first time in his career, he had more walks than strikeouts, with 82 and 62 respectively.

On May 8, 2014, Encarnación played his 200th home run against A. J. Burnett of the Philadelphia Phillies, securing his 200th home run. He was named the American League Player of the Week for May 5–11, with a series of four home runs and 10 RBIs, as well as a batted.321. Encarnacion continued his hot hitting in May by becoming the first player in the Blue Jays franchise to have four multi home run games in a month, and the first player to do so since Troy Tulowitzki in September 2010. With a 13th run off of lex Colomé of the Tampa Bay Rays, he set a new club record for home runs in May. Encarnación's 14th birthday helped the Blue Jays extend their winning streak to eight games on the following day, breaking the team's record for home runs in any month of the season.

Encarnacion hit two home runs in a home game against the Kansas City Royals on May 29 and 16 in the month of May, giving him the Blue Jays franchise record for home runs in any month of the regular season. In May, he tied Mickey Mantle for the American League's best home runs. He was unanimously selected as the Blue Jays Player of the Month by the Toronto chapter of the BBWAA on June 2. MLB named him the Month of May Player of the Month of May the day after. In a victory over the Cincinnati Reds on June 20, Encarnación won by two 3-run home runs in a victory over the Cincinnati Reds. His 6 RBIs were instrumental in the Blue Jays' second-largest comeback victory in franchise history, going from 8–0 in the second inning to win 14-19. Encarnación batted.268 with 34 home runs and 98 RBIs in 2014 for total.

Encarnación earned 10-and-five stars by having at least ten years of service time in the big leagues on June 30, 2015, with the last five teams being joint. Encarnación has the ability to veto any market he will be interested in because of these rights. He joined fellow Blue Jay José Bautista on the list of active players to hold this rank. Encarnacion won by 9–3 over the Minnesota Twins on August 6, marking his 250th home run in his career. Encarnación defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 8–5 on August 18, beating Jesse Barfield on the Blue Jays' all-time home run list, marking his 180th home run for the franchise. He also extended his hitting streak to a career-high 15 games. Encarnación's hitting streak extended to 24 games against the Detroit Tigers on August 29, including his third grand slam of the season, as well as a tie for nine RBIs in a single game. Encarnación's last day, the franchise's record for RBIs in a single month was broken as he went solo home run to give him 35 RBIs. After batting.391 with 6 home runs and 17 RBIs, he was named American League Player of the Week on August 31. After hitting.407 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs in August, Encarnación received the American League Player of the Month award for the second time in his career.

He had a.277 batting average, 39 home runs, and 111 RBIs in the 2015 regular season. Encarnación appeared in all five games of the 2015 American League Division Series, winning.333 with one home run and 3 RBIs. He batted.227 with two RBIs in six games in the American League Championship Series. Encarnación underwent successful sports hernia surgery on October 27, 2017. The Blue Jays exercised Encarnacion's $10 million option for 2016 on November 3.

Encarnación reached a deadline for a labour pact with the Blue Jays before 2016 spring training. He suffered an oblique injury early in the spring and, as a result, did not participate in any Major League games. In addition,, labor extension talks came early, because neither team could not agree on the terms of the deal. Encarnación's 200th home run as a member of the Blue Jays on April 26, 1985. Encarnación won his fourth walk-off home run as a Blue Jay on June 10, defeating the Baltimore Orioles 4–3 in the tenth inning. In doing so, he became the first player in franchise history to reach 600 RBI. Encarnación was suspended by home plate umpire Vic Carapazza for arguing balls and strikes in the first inning of a game on July 1. Since being suspended, he went back to Carapazza and was banned from playing on July 3. Encarnación's home run of his career on August 12, joining Joe Carter, Carlos Delgado, and teammate José Bautista as the only players to reach their 300th home run with the Blue Jays franchise. In a 12–6 win over the New York Yankees on August 16, Encarnación earned his 100th RBI of the season, becoming the first player to reach the milestone in 2016. He played his 40th home run of the season on September 16 and joined José Bautista and Carlos Delgado as the only Blue Jays with multiple 40-homer seasons.

Encarnación won the Baltimore Orioles 5–2 in their eleventh inning of the 2016 Wild Card game, sending them to the American League Division Series to face the Texas Rangers. In five games, the Blue Jays eventually lost the ALCS to the Cleveland Indians. The Blue Jays extended a $17.2 million qualifying bid to Encarnación on November 7, which he declined on November 14.

Encarnación agreed to a three-year deal with the Cleveland Indians worth $60 million on January 5, 2017. The agreement included a club option for the 2020 season, worth an additional $25 million, as well as a $5 million buyout clause. He hit a home run against the Texas Rangers on Opening Day. Encarnación's first game of a series against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, defeated the Indians 11-7, winning the game 11-7. With 38 home runs and 107 RBIs, he had a great season with the Indians in his first season. He also had a career with 104 walks.

Encarnacion's second stint on the disabled list was on the disabled list on August 12, 2018. He finished the season with 32 home runs and 107 RBIs, his seventh straight season with more than 30 home runs and his fourth straight season with 100 or more RBIs. However, he batted.246.

The Encarnacion trade with the Seattle Mariners ended on December 13, 2018, sending Carlos Santana to the Indians, with the Indians also acquiring Jake Bauers from the Rays, with the Rays acquiring Yandy Daz and Cole Sulser. Encarnación's first home run as a member of the Seattle Mariners on March 28, 2019. In the sixth inning against the Kansas City Royals on April 8, he struck two home runs in the sixth inning, becoming the fifth player in major league history to reach two home runs in the same inning twice. Encarnación batted.241 with 21 home runs and 49 RBIs in 65 games with the Mariners from mid-June.

The Mariners traded Encarnación to the New York Yankees in exchange for minor league pitcher Juan Then and cash considerations on June 15, 2019. Encarnación was struck by a pitch on August 3, and the team was forced to leave the game with a fractured right wrist, and the player was put on the 10-day injured list later that day. The New York Yankees announced on October 31, 2019, that they would not be using their club option for Encarnación for 2020, allowing him to join the 2019-2020 free agent market.

Encarnación signed a one-year contract with the Chicago White Sox on January 9, 2020. On July 24, 2020, he was the starting designated hitter for the Minnesota Twins, making his White Sox debut against the Minnesota Twins on Opening Day.

Encarnación batted.157/.377 with 10 home runs and 19 RBIs in the pandemic season, while striking out 54 times in 159 at bats.

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