3.) Team-Friendly Player Motivated Contract
If Encarnacion is going to sign it would likely be to a contract that would fit the Indians very well. After originally looking for 125 million before the year and then supposedly turning down four years and 80 million, the market is getting even drier. Some of the big power hitters in Carlos Beltran, Kendrys Morales, Steve Pearce, and Sean Rodriguez have already signed, taking away leverage from Encarnacion.
With a big free agent class in 2018, I’d expect for Encarnacion to take a one year deal and look to cash in next summer before he gets too old.
The Indians love one year contracts. They won’t be tied up in a big contract long term for someone who is already 33 years old.
Because of the weak and dry market he may sign for less than normal too, also something in Cleveland’s benefit.
If the team struggles this year for whatever reason or the injury bug hits bad, the front office could always trade him to a contender and reap a good package of MLB ready prospects in return, also a big win.
Coming off a World Series appearance, the team gained extra money from the postseason which should allow them to expand their pocketbook for one year if needed.
The one big drawback would be giving up a first round pick by signing him. Cleveland prides itself on drafting but they would give up the 27thpick but draft picks are a far thing from guaranteed in baseball especially so late in the 1st round.
If the team was willing to part with four good prospects in two deals for Andrew Miller and Jonathan LuCroy last year, why should they be hesitant to give up one late first round draft pick this year for a player that can put the team over the edge?
You have to figure if he is fighting for a big contract next year he is going to do everything he can to have a big year this year. I think he will end up signing for a one year deal in the 17-19 million dollar range.
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