Should the Cleveland Indians Sign Edwin Encarnacion?

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Oct 18, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Edwin Encarnacion (10) hits an two RBI single during the seventh inning in game four of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Reasons Why the Indians Should Sign Encarnacion

1. Production and Fit

A contending team like the Indians should always be looking to add productive players. Edwin Encarnacion has been nothing short of productive in his career and owns a career slash line of .266/.352/.498.

He has been exceptionally productive over the past five years, posting an OPS+ of 130 or greater in each of those seasons. He’s been elected to the All-Star Game in three out of the past four seasons as well. In addition to that, he has received MVP votes in four of his last five seasons. Needless to say, a player like this is an asset to virtually any team.

Despite Edwin Encarnacion’s exceptional production, there are not many teams open for business on the 1B/DH market. The Indians, however, are one of the few teams in the 1B/DH market. With the club failing to resign Mike Napoli as of this moment, they could use a 1B/DH to pair with Carlos Santana.

Edwin Encarnacion and Carlos Santana would form an excellent tandem at the 1B and DH positions, and both players would get playing time at both spots. Encarnacion’s offense would also lengthen the Indians lineup and provide protection for Francisco Lindor and Michael Brantley.