White Sox Rumor: Edwin Encarnacion Makes For Interesting Target
White Sox rumored to be interested in trading for another slugging designated hitter which is bizarre as they don’t have an opening for another DH.
The Chicago White Sox have seemingly been rumored to be interested in any and every player this offseason. While the team has been interested in signing either of the top two free agents, an interesting rumor links the Sox as interested in trading for another designated hitter.
Jon Morrosi of MLB Network mentioned the Sox being one of a few teams interested in trading for Edwin Encarnacion of the Seattle Mariners. Encarnacion was traded to the Mariners as part of a three-team trade this offseason that included the Cleveland Indians and Tampa Bay Rays. Now, the Mariners are apparently looking to trade the 36-year-old slugger.
The Sox don’t need to trade for Encarnacion as they already have a first base/DH tandem in Jose Abreu and with the newly-acquired Yonder Alonso. It’s interesting that the Sox are even linked to having interest in trading for Encarnacion. At 36, he won’t fit into the future plans for the team and if acquired, he won’t have anywhere to play.
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Encarnacion hasn’t played at any position other than first base since 2014 when he appeared in two games in left field for the Toronto Blue Jays. With Eloy Jimenez likely being promoted by no later than next April, Encarnacion wouldn’t have a spot to play in left field in 2019 if acquired by the Sox.
Alonso was acquired via trade with the Indians and it would be weird if the Sox traded him before the start of next season due to an acquisition of Encarnacion. The Sox are in an interesting place this offseason as it appears they’re looking to improve the team and open their contending window earlier than expected.
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The Sox improving for 2019 would be a welcome sight for many fans. However, the front office must be cautious and make sure they’re acquiring players that will certainly help the team. Encarnacion could help the Sox but it would likely be at the cost of taking away Abreu or Alonso.